While many of us are tired after another draining international break just when Leicester City had begun to build rhythm, the wait for domestic action is nearly over.
That’s because club football in England resumes on Friday evening when second-placed Championship side Middlesbrough host Ipswich Town. The Tractor Boys currently sit ninth.
However, LCFC’s loyal Blue Army supporters will have to wait until Saturday night for their encounter with Portsmouth. The Foxes occupy third place in the second-tier standings, while Pompey are 14th.
Given the popularity of the East Midlands club in the league, the fixture will once again be broadcast live. Television network and streaming platform Sky Sports+ will provide full coverage.
But today (Monday, October 13), our attention shifts to the health of both teams. As usual, there’s plenty of news coming out of King Power Stadium, along with updates from Fratton Park to take in.
For Marti Cifuentes’ squad, there’s effectively both encouraging and discouraging injury news before facing Portsmouth. Let’s break down what’s been disclosed and reported.
Timing:
If you’re wondering why the match isn’t scheduled for an earlier start (7:45pm), it’s because “local authorities advised City to take a different slot.” Leicester Tigers (rugby union) are also in action at home, and with The Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium located in LE2, a scheduling conflict was unavoidable.
Positive and negative developments for Leicester City before Portsmouth clash:
Now, onto the key details you’re here for. First of all, we wish no harm on any player, but City may have caught a break. Portsmouth’s standout performer, Josh Murphy — who LCFC have been monitoring — remains a doubt.
First-choice goalkeeper Nicolas Schmid and striker Callum Lang are also ruled out. Joining them on the sidelines are Thomas Waddingham, Franco Umeh, and Conor Shaughnessy. Meanwhile, Stephy Mavididi’s hamstring issue could still see him miss out.
“The winger picked up a hamstring injury during the early stages of Foxes’ triumph against Wrexham. This forced Mavididi to miss the victory against Swansea City prior to the international break. There is hope that the setback isn’t serious and could be in contention to face Pompey later this week.” – [The Portsmouth News]