adminLeicester City have been handed a major boost after initial fears over Jordan James’ injury appear to have eased following his withdrawal during Wales’ crucial World Cup qualifier against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The midfielder, on loan from Rennes, was forced off before the hour mark shortly after Dan James had fired Wales into the lead.
The 21-year-old looked in visible discomfort as he left the pitch, with Liam Cullen coming on in his place, sparking immediate concern among Leicester supporters.
James had gone down following a challenge involving Amar Mecic, though the exact moment of injury was not clearly shown on replays.
The incident came during a tense spell of play which also saw Harry Wilson brought down after a brilliant run, with referee Istvan Kovac keeping a relatively lenient approach.
Early signs suggested a worrying situation for Leicester, especially given James’ importance to the team this season.
However, the decision to take him off is now understood to have been largely precautionary, with no immediate indication of a serious injury a development that will come as a huge relief to the club.
James has been one of City’s standout performers this campaign, contributing ten goals and four assists in the Championship. Having only recently returned from a previous hamstring issue, Leicester’s medical staff and coaching team were keen to avoid any further risk.
That cautious approach now appears to have paid off, with optimism growing that the midfielder has avoided a significant setback ahead of the run-in.
Speaking recently, Rowett had already highlighted the need to carefully manage his squad amid ongoing fitness concerns.
“I think we’re pretty much as we were,” Rowett said. “We’ve had Jannik (Vestergaard) and Harry Souttar training in parts of sessions on certain days.
“We’re still trying to manage them for different reasons. I don’t anticipate either of those will be involved. Particularly Souts, who has been out for a long time. There’s definitely no chance of that.”
With Leicester battling to avoid relegation, the positive signs around James’ condition could not have come at a better time, offering a timely boost as Rowett’s side prepare for their next crucial fixtures.
Abdulhafiz Teslim
admin
