adminLeicester City manager Russell Martin has been dealt another major setback as the Foxes continue to battle injury problems following their heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Luton Town on Saturday, October 24.
The Foxes looked set to escape Kenilworth Road with a valuable point after Liam Cullen scored a brilliant 90th-minute equaliser. However, Callum Marshall’s dramatic stoppage-time winner left Leicester empty-handed, making an already frustrating afternoon even more painful for Martin and the travelling supporters.
But the defeat is not the only concern facing the Leicester boss, with several players still dealing with injuries and questions surrounding their availability for the club’s upcoming fixtures.
Jakub Stolarczyk and Ben Nelson remain long-term absentees after suffering anterior cruciate ligament injuries, while Jayden Joseph has also been sidelined for several weeks. Their continued absence leaves Martin with fewer options as Leicester attempt to recover from their latest setback.
The most devastating news for the Foxes faithful concerns goalkeeper Stolarczyk, whose injury is expected to keep him out for the remainder of the season.
Martin previously expressed his disappointment after the goalkeeper’s injury was confirmed, admitting that the situation was particularly difficult for the player and the club.
“Not good. I feel so disappointed for the big guy,” the Leicester manager said. “He’ll be out for the season. It was a really innocuous one on his knee.”
The manager also revealed that Stolarczyk and Nelson could complete their rehabilitation together because of the similarities between their injuries.
“The only silver lining is that him and Ben [Nelson] will get to do their rehab together, they’re in very similar situations.”
Nelson’s injury is another significant blow for Leicester, with the centre-back expected to miss the majority of the campaign after rupturing his ACL during pre-season in a friendly against Genoa.
Martin previously described the situation as disappointing and stressed the importance of supporting the young defender throughout his recovery.
“Really disappointing with Ben,” he said. “It’s really sad for him and us. He’ll be out for the majority of the season. He ruptured his ACL.”
The Leicester boss added that Nelson was a huge asset to the club and admitted that his absence would be felt both on and off the pitch.
Meanwhile, Jayden Joseph remains another concern for Martin after being absent since Leicester’s 4-3 victory over Stockport County more than a month ago. The defender was previously expected to miss several weeks, with a possible return against Walsall on November 10 having been listed before the Luton encounter.
However, that date remains provisional, and there has been no confirmed update establishing when Joseph will return to action.
There are also questions surrounding Christian McFarlane, who was expected to be available before Saturday’s match after suffering a knock against Stevenage in the Jersey Mike’s Trophy. Despite that earlier expectation, the defender was not included in Leicester’s matchday squad against Luton, and his current condition has yet to be confirmed.
On a more positive note, Wes Burns returned to the squad after recovering from illness and featured against Luton, coming on at half-time. His availability gives Martin another option as Leicester look to put the disappointing result behind them.
The defeat itself was particularly painful because Leicester had appeared to rescue a point late in the game. Nahki Wells gave Luton the lead in the 39th minute before Cullen’s late equaliser raised hopes of a comeback.
However, captain John Lundstram was sent off after receiving a second yellow card in the 85th minute, leaving Leicester with ten men for the closing stages. Marshall then struck in stoppage time to secure all three points for Jack Wilshere’s side.
The result ended Leicester’s hopes of securing a third consecutive victory after their wins over Doncaster Rovers and Bromley.
Martin must now prepare his side for their next fixture while monitoring the fitness of his available players and dealing with Lundstram’s suspension.
Although no new injury arising from the Luton defeat has been confirmed in the available information, the long-term absences of Stolarczyk and Nelson remain a major concern for the Foxes.
Abdulhafiz Teslim
admin
