Leicester City will play against Leeds United on Sunday, January 31 at 15:00 without two of their star players Jamie Vardy and Wilfred Ndidi. However, Leicester City’s coach Brendan Rodgers said the club would survive without them.
Wilfred Ndidi suffered a slight hamstring tear during the 1-1 draw at Everton on January 27. According to Brendan Rodgers, the 24-year-old Nigerian defensive midfielder would be out of football for at least two weeks.
As for Jamie Vardy, he successfully underwent a hernia operation and he has confirmed that he is recovering well. But Brendan Rodgers said the English striker would remain out of football for a couple of weeks.
This means that Jamie Vardy and Wilfred Ndidi would not only miss the league match against Leeds United, but they will also miss the club’s matches against Fulham, Wolves, FA Cup match against Brighton, and a league match against Liverpool on February 13.
But Brendan Rodgers believes that Leicester City have enough cover for Jamie Vardy and Wilfred Ndidi in those matches they will not be available for.
“It’s the same test as we’ve had all season when we’ve had players missing,” said Rodgers. “We’ve managed to get really good results throughout the season.
“If you shine a light throughout the season, we have had important players missing. But we trust the squad. You will miss someone of Jamie’s ability. He would help any team. I thought Ayo (Ayoze Perez) did very well and we’ve got Kel (Kelechi Iheanacho) there as well who can come in.
“He’s incredible in the space, he and James Maddison can turn and take you forward. We might have to connect the game with an extra pass instead of getting there in one pass, you might need two or three.”
So far this season, Jamie Vardy has scored 13 goals and provided 5 assists in 20 matches in all competitions. While Wilfred Ndidi has made 15 appearances in all competitions and has scored a goal this season.
The effort of Jamie Vardy and Wilfred Ndidi this season has helped Leicester City to get to the 3rd spot on the league table with 39 points in 20 league games. A win over Leeds United on Sunday could take Leicester to the second spot on the league table.
While analyzing the league match, Brendan Rodgers said Leeds United have been fantastic this season even though they are currently occupying the 12th spot with 26 points in 19 games.
“I’m a huge admirer of the coach. Marcelo Bielsa’s teams always play an exciting brand of football, and it’s a style you don’t usually see in the Premier League. I’m a big admirer of Bielsa and the job he has done.
“The team have played very clearly in their way in every game. They want to attack, they play without any fear. That’s got them some good results, and some games where they have lost heavily.
“But they play respectfully. They don’t argue with referees so much. They have great integrity in the game. I’ve enjoyed watching them and preparing to play against them.”
▪️ Taking on Leeds United
— Leicester City (@LCFC) January 29, 2021
▪️ The Foxes' maturing squad
▪️ Admiration for Bielsa's style
Brendan Rodgers speaks to the media ahead of #LeiLee… pic.twitter.com/JiCOJHvoZt
