Leicester City, aiming to extend their unbeaten run under new manager Ruud van Nistelrooy to three matches, face a significant setback ahead of their clash with Newcastle United.
The Foxes will be without Wilfred Ndidi, one of their most influential players, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury.
The appointment of Van Nistelrooy marked a bold shift for Leicester. Despite a stable start to the season under Steve Cooper, the club’s decision to part ways with him was unexpected.
Cooper, who had arrived with a solid reputation following his success at Nottingham Forest, appeared to be steering Leicester clear of relegation trouble.
However, Leicester were unable to resist the allure of Van Nistelrooy, who had impressed during a short interim spell at Manchester United.
The gamble seems to be paying off. Van Nistelrooy’s fresh approach has already yielded victories against West Ham and a spirited comeback win over Brighton & Hove Albion.
Yet, his tactical acumen will now be tested further as he navigates the upcoming fixtures without Ndidi, a key figure in Leicester’s midfield.
Van Nistelrooy Confirms Ndidi Blow
Speaking ahead of the Newcastle match, Van Nistelrooy confirmed the absence of the Nigerian international.
“Correct, he has a hamstring injury so he’s not available,” the Leicester boss said, as reported by The Shields Gazette.
“We’ll see how he reacts, but it seems like it will at least be a couple of weeks.”
The injury means Leicester will be without their £75,000-a-week midfield dynamo not only for this weekend but potentially for several critical fixtures.
Crucial Games Without Ndidi
Ndidi’s absence could not come at a worse time for the Foxes. Following the clash with Newcastle, Leicester face a crucial relegation six-pointer against Wolverhampton Wanderers next weekend.
If Van Nistelrooy’s initial timeline proves accurate, Ndidi may also miss Leicester’s Boxing Day trip to face league leaders Liverpool—a daunting prospect for a side still finding its rhythm under a new manager.
Ndidi’s Key Role Highlighted
Ndidi’s value to Leicester has been widely recognised. Former Leicester coach Mike Stowell recently praised the 26-year-old for his versatility and intelligence, particularly his defensive contributions and ability to read the game.
“I have always known (Wilfred Ndidi) as a number six because of his defensive attributes,” Stowell told BBC Radio Leicester, as relayed by Afrik-Foot NG.
“But he is also dogged and will go all day long and put his body on the line.
“He is very clever with his challenges and those long legs of his just give him range. His discipline and timing of things with Jamie Vardy was brilliant. Vardy was orchestrating and pointing [to where he wanted to receive the ball].
“Wilf was just doing Vards’ running for him because Vards is clever enough to tell him when to go and run to press a ball. He won the ball back so many times against Palace, which really put us on the front foot and in behind. So, without a shadow of a doubt, he was man of the match.”
Leicester will undoubtedly miss Ndidi’s tireless work rate and defensive nous as they attempt to build on their recent upturn in form.
For Van Nistelrooy, the task will be finding a way to maintain momentum in the absence of a player described by many as the heartbeat of the team. With a testing run of fixtures ahead, Leicester’s resilience and tactical flexibility will be pushed to the limit.
