Leicester City have been dealt a major blow ahead of their midweek showdown with Middlesbrough, as key midfielder Aaron Ramsey is set to miss up to two months of action due to a serious hamstring injury.
The 25-year-old was forced off the pitch during recent action and scans have now confirmed the extent of the damage. Ramsey had been one of the few bright sparks in an otherwise underwhelming start to the Championship season for the Foxes, but now finds himself sidelined at a crucial period.
Marti Cifuentes, already under increasing pressure after a string of poor results, will now be forced to rethink his midfield setup without one of his most creative players.
Ramsey’s absence has been described by Cifuentes as a “significant hamstring injury… probably going to be on the far side of eight weeks,” leaving Leicester short-handed as fixtures start to pile up before the next international break.
The timing couldn’t be worse for Leicester. Sitting 14th in the Championship table, they now face one of the division’s in-form teams as second-placed Middlesbrough arrive at the King Power Stadium. The following weekend’s clash with struggling Norwich City may look more manageable on paper, but with just one win in their last nine league games, nothing is guaranteed for Leicester right now.
Without Ramsey, the Foxes may be forced to lean on the likes of Jordan James who isn’t 100% fit after the knock he picked up last weekend or other attackers in the team who aren’t consistent to fill the void. Tactical changes could also be on the cards, as Cifuentes looks to spark some much-needed momentum in their promotion push.
The hamstring blow not only deprives Leicester of one of their most composed midfielders, but also heaps further pressure on the manager – who reportedly faces a points-based ultimatum in the next two games to save his job.
For now, all eyes turn to Tuesday’s clash with Boro, where Ramsey’s absence will be deeply felt both on the pitch and on the touchline. The Foxes must find a way to rally without him or risk their season slipping further away.