Leicester City’s manager, Ruud van Nistelrooy, has expressed hope that midfield stalwart Wilfred Ndidi’s recent injury is not severe, following the Nigeria international’s early exit during the Foxes’ dramatic 2-2 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, Nigeriasoccernet.com writes.
Ndidi was substituted in the 52nd minute of the match at the King Power Stadium, with Oliver Skipp coming on as his replacement. The midfielder appeared to suffer a hamstring strain, sparking concerns over his availability for upcoming fixtures.
“Wilf is a player who doesn’t go down easily, so when he came off, we knew there was a problem,” Van Nistelrooy commented post-match. “He reported a slight strain in his hamstring. We are keeping our fingers crossed that it’s nothing serious. The medical team will assess him, and we hope to have him back soon.”
The 27-year-old has been pivotal to Leicester’s midfield this season, racking up 15 league appearances. His presence has been instrumental in providing defensive stability and initiating attacking transitions for the team, which currently sits in the middle of the Premier League standings.
Van Nistelrooy faces a potential selection dilemma ahead of Leicester's next match against Newcastle United on Sunday. Senegalese midfielder Boubacar Soumaré is ruled out due to suspension, while Harry Winks remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from a lingering groin injury. The manager will be banking on Ndidi’s swift return to mitigate the shortage of options in midfield.
This injury concern comes at a critical time for Leicester, who are striving to regain form and push up the Premier League table. The clash with Newcastle is expected to be a stern test, as the Magpies are currently enjoying a strong run of form.
Despite the setback, Van Nistelrooy remains optimistic. “Injuries are part of the game, but we have depth in our squad. The team has shown resilience, and I trust we’ll adapt if needed. However, having Wilf available would undoubtedly boost our chances,” he added.
Leicester City fans will eagerly await updates on Ndidi’s condition as the club looks to bounce back from their recent dip in form and continue their fight for a strong league finish.
Oluwayemi Omolagba