Injured pair near return to fitness
International call-ups for Evans and Vestergaard
LEICESTER City’s latest defensive injury will not change their transfer plans with Brendan Rodgers hopeful of a steady stream of players returning to fitness over the next few weeks, writes Jordan Blackwell.
City’s depleted back-line was hit with another blow before Monday’s 4-1 defeat to West Ham with new £15 million signing Jannik Vestergaard picking up a knee problem in training.
Thankfully, it does not seem serious, with the Dane showing no serious issues after a couple of scans. He could even return to training this week and has been named in Denmark’s squad for the upcoming international break.
Jonny Evans has also been named by Northern Ireland in their squad, despite not yet returning to full training. Their manager,
Leicester-born Ian Baraclough, has said he has spoken to Rodgers on the matter and hopes to benefit City rather than be of detriment.
With those two nearing a return, City’s transfer plans for the final week of the window are unchanged, with a winger top of the agenda.
“Hopefully in midweek [Vestergaard] can get back onto the field,” Rodgers said after Monday night’s game.
“He was in training and he had nobody near him, he’s just overstretched and felt a soreness in his knee and couldn’t run on it.
“He’s had a couple of scans and it doesn’t show anything serious. We’re hoping that with a few days recovery, he can get back out onto the field again.”
He added: “I’ve always said if we could some more we would like to do that.
“There’s nothing really on tonight [that changes that]. With Jannik’s situation, fingers crossed he’s going to be okay. We’re just out of luck at the moment with our centre-backs, and obviously it’s a very important part of the field.
“We’re just going to see what we can do over the course of the next week. If we can, great, if not, then we’ll have to go with the squad we’ve got.”
The announcement that Evans had been named in Northern Ireland’s squad came as a surprise, given City’s vice-captain has not played since the FA Cup final and yet to rejoin full training.
Baraclough knows he may not be able to play amid his foot problem, but wants to give him an opportunity.
“We know he is a big doubt, I’ve named him in the squad but there is a contingency plan if he doesn’t make it,” Baraclough said.
“I wanted to give him every chance. I’ve had conversations with him and with Brendan which are ongoing and have been good.
“Nobody is going to put Jonny at threat of losing him for longer than we need to. Even if it means him getting half-an-hour in the friendly against Estonia would be a bonus but it is a long shot.
“Jonny’s wellbeing and getting him right for future matches is of utmost importance. He is a big player for us, he is a big character and great to have around.”
Elsewhere, City are hopeful of having Ryan Bertrand available for this weekend’s trip to Norwich after he missed the past two games following a positive Covid test, while James Justin is on course for a return in October.