Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that key midfielder Wilfred Ndidi will undergo surgery to repair a back problem and is expected to be out for around 12 weeks as early as this week, realizing the club’s worst fears. Will miss out.
Ndidi suffered the injury in Leicester’s 4-2 Premier League win over Burnley last weekend. And while he was able to finish the game, the Nigeria international was absent from the squad as the Foxes faced Arsenal in the Carabao Cup a few days later.
Ndidi suffers injury in Leicester’s win over Burnley / RUI VIEIRA / Getty Images
Rodgers had already expressed his concern that it could be a long layoff if surgery is required. Now, as the team prepare to face Manchester City on Sunday, it has emerged that it is as serious as feared and an operation is necessary.
As suspected, the adductor of the groove has come away from the bone, Rogers previously called it ‘rude’. With surgery now a certainty, the boss described Ndidi’s impending absence as ‘unfortunate’ and admitted he would be ‘missed’ by Leicester.
A 12-week layoff from now would mean a return to action shortly before Christmas. Leicester have 11 Premier League games between now and then, plus the entirety of the Europa League group stage.
Jonny Evans available after suspension / James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images
The 23-year-old was originally filling in as an emergency centre-back, but the good news is that established defender Jonny Evans is now able to return after serving his suspension and reclaiming his usual spot – Evans Thighs were also raised. Stress in addition to imposing restrictions.
Demarai Gray will miss Sunday’s game with a non-Covid illness, while Ricardo Pereira is in the final stages of his ACL recovery but is not expected back for another few weeks. New loan signing Sangs Under is yet to link up with the squad and will begin training next week.
For more from Jamie Spencer, follow her on Twitter and Facebook!