JibrinLeicester City have picked up two fresh injuries, with Fran Vieites and Jeremy Monga both ruled out of Saturday’s draw with Ipswich.
Vieites was expected to serve as back-up goalkeeper to Jakub Stolarczyk for the fixture, with Asmir Begovic sidelined due to an ankle issue.
However, the Spaniard twisted his knee during training on Friday, and was subsequently forced to withdraw, with Under-21s goalkeeper Harry French included in a City senior matchday squad for the very first time.
Monga was also absent with what manager Gary Rowett indicated was a minor issue, leading to Dujuan Richards being recalled to the squad. However, the Chelsea loanee did not feature on the pitch at Portman Road.
Louis Page’s omission was a tactical decision, with Hamza Choudhury back to full fitness and boosting the midfield options available to Rowett.
Rowett said following the 1-1 draw: “Fran twisted his knee yesterday so that’s a blow with Asmir out, (those injuries) in quick succession. Jez it’s a little injury as well, so we’re just going to have to look after him.
“Louis, I just felt for this type of game that I needed more experience on the bench. We had Joe (Aribo) in there, JJ (Jordan James), Hamza. We had three players who can go in the middle of the pitch.
“He’s a really good player, Louis, he’s a lovely young player with great balance. But it needs must at this stage of the season and we’re going to have to make some of those decisions.
“Sometimes it’s easier to go for experienced players that have been through those battles before.”
The injuries to Vieites and Monga mean City now have seven players currently unavailable, with Begovic, Jannik Vestergaard, Harry Souttar, Victor Kristiansen and Aaron Ramsey also on the sidelines.
Jibrin
