At present, Leicester City fans are questioning when one of their most beloved players will return to the starting lineup. In fact, the individual in question is actually the captain of the LCFC side, no less.
The Portugal international has been a devoted and relatable member of the Foxes squad for many years now, seemingly the longest-serving senior player who isn’t a City academy product.
Currently, Hamza Choudhury is operating at right back in the oddly titled inverted role, which ought to be called the dual role or something more precise. I don’t think the Bangladesh National Team representative has performed too poorly in the unfamiliar position. Choudhury is especially effective when stationed in his customary midfield spot.
Though many supporters of the King Power club are dissatisfied with the 27-year-old’s regular inclusion from the outset of Championship fixtures.
They would certainly prefer Ricardo to be deployed at the start of these vital matches. So why is the Leicester skipper not starting? And when will he find himself in manager Marti Cifuentes’ XI? Let’s take a look at what the former Queens Park Rangers head coach said on the matter exactly.
Why Leicester City captain Ricardo Pereira isn’t starting and when he will be:
First of all, I would argue for the selection of Ricardo over Choudhury, or Luke Thomas for that matter. So that’s that argument settled from my end. The former is now fit.
But we must determine just why the 31-year-old is still not in the team at this juncture. Essentially, Cifuentes is being cautious with one of his key assets.
The ex-Porto and OGC Nice man missed four months of football last season. A ‘serious hamstring’ injury was the reason for his absence. Keeping Ricardo fit is crucial for the manager.
But the Catalan hinted at Ricardo’s impending involvement. The Boss values continuity and believes Choudhury has done well. Although, I expect both the full back and Harry Winks reinstated soon.
“Cifuentes has admitted that deciding between Ricardo and Choudhury was tough, but that the captain’s injury woes are at the forefront of his mind.” – [Leicester Mercury]