JibrinAndy King makes Jordan James injury confession Leicester fans feared
Interim Leicester City manager Andy King faces a selection dilemma ahead of the FA Cup trip to Southampton. The retired Wales international confirmed a weakened squad with eight senior players unavailable. While King hoped for a reprieve, he has instead delivered the news fans feared most regarding star man Jordan James.
Injury woe
Before addressing James, the Foxes must contend with seven other major absences. Defensively, Jannik Vestergaard is ruled out for up to six weeks following a hernia operation.
The towering Dane is joined on the sidelines by Aussie Harry Souttar, who continues to struggle with an Achilles issue. In midfield, Hamza Choudhury remains sidelined after leaving a recent fixture on crutches with a significant knee problem. Meanwhile, Aaron Ramsey is also out with a hamstring strain.
Disciplinary and eligibility matters further reduce the available options. Bobby De Cordova-Reid is serving a suspension following his ill-advised dismissal against Birmingham City. Additionally, recent signing Joe Aribo is ineligible to play as he cannot face his parent club, Southampton.
Complicating the selection headache is Manchester City prospect Divine Mukasa. He is cup-tied, having represented his parent club earlier in the competition. However, the “confession” regarding Jordan James carries the greatest significance.
No early Leicester City return
King confirmed the talismanic loanee Fox, who has netted nine goals this season, is not going to make a rapid comeback, adding to the frustration.
The Welshman will likely remain out until at least March with a lingering issue. James’s absence robs the side of its engine and main goal threat at a pivotal stage.
With a threadbare squad, King acknowledged the tie now functions as a “shop window” for fringe players to showcase their abilities to any watching managerial candidates.
Jibrin
