Jamie Vardy’s latest injury concern opens door for Iheanacho’s increased playing time

Kelechi Iheanacho has fallen out of favour in Enzo Maresca’s squad making four appearances and playing 105 minutes in total since his return from AFCON 2023

The potential absence of Leicester City’s star striker, Jamie Vardy, due to injury could pave the way for Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho to see more action ahead of the clash with West Bromwich Albion, as reported by Soccernet.ng.

Iheanacho has seen limited minutes on the pitch since his return from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Rumours have circulated suggesting that he fell out of favour with manager Enzo Maresca for choosing to represent his country at the tournament against the manager’s wishes.

However, with Vardy facing recent injury concerns, Maresca may have no choice but to turn to Iheanacho to fill the void, potentially alongside Patson Daka.

“We have some doubts over Jamie [Vardy] who had a kick in the week and Ricky [Ricardo Pereira] because of the amount of games he has played. Kiernan has been unwell. Kasey is back.

“Very significant. For Jamie [Vardy] and Ricky, it’s more a physical problem. Kiernan has been just unwell. We still have 24 hours. We’ll see if we can have them back.” he said as quoted by Leicester Mercury.

Since his return from the 2023 AFCON, Iheanacho has only played a total of 105 minutes in four appearances for the Foxes, despite potentially deserving more playing time.

While Iheanacho’s lack of minutes cannot be attributed to injury, as he has proven his fitness, the reasons behind his limited opportunities remain unknown.

With his contract expiring at the end of the season, speculation is rife regarding his future, with clubs like Fenerbahce SK, Trabzonspor, Galatasaray, and Besiktas reportedly interested in securing his services.

Ayomide Oguntimehin

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and an Editor at Soccernet.ng, with a proven track record in conducting interviews with Super Eagles stars such as William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ademola Lookman, and many others. He has also made a significant impact in breaking transfer news stories. Grounded in video editing, video journalism, social media management, and content strategy, Ayomide brings a wealth of expertise to his work. With a Bachelor's degree in English Language from Adeyemi College of Education and a Master's Degree in School Library and Media Technology from the University of Ibadan, Ayomide is well-prepared to excel in the field.

Share
Published by
Ayomide Oguntimehin

Recent Posts

Osimhen: Napoli star drops transfer hint as Man United and Chelsea prepare €75 million bid

Napoli-owned forward Victor Osimhen has sparked transfer speculation with a new comment about his future,… Read More

8 hours ago

Ghana 0-0 Nigeria: CHAN Eagles grab first-leg advantage in Accra against Black Galaxies

Nigeria forced Ghana to a goalless draw in the first leg of the qualifying playoff… Read More

8 hours ago

What Hakimi’s mother said after her son lost the CAF POTY Award to Lookman

Achraf Hakimi's mother, Saida Mouh, has revealed her son has moved on from the disappointment… Read More

8 hours ago

“I see similarities with Leicester” – Ex-Barcelona striker backs Ola Aina’s Nott’m Forest to win EPL title

Former Barcelona and England striker, Gary Lineker, has backed Taiwo Awoniyi and Ola Aina's Nottingham… Read More

9 hours ago

Two Premier League clubs ready to meet Napoli’s €75m asking price for Victor Osimhen

Two English Premier League sides, Manchester United and Chelsea, are prepared to meet Napoli's €75m… Read More

10 hours ago

Tolu Arokodare surpasses Stephen Keshi’s mark in Belgium as Genk humble Anderlecht

Tolu Arokodare delivered a man-of-the-match performance to inspire KRC Genk to a convincing 2-0 win… Read More

10 hours ago