Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi will not be part of the Leicester City squad for their Premier League game against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.
According to Leicester City manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, the midfielder has not fully recovered from his injury and will not be in contention for a place in the team.
The 28-year-old has been an ever-present figure in the Leicester squad since Van Nistelrooy's arrival and has been one of their standout performers under the Dutch manager.
Ndidi sustained his injury early in the second half of Leicester's dramatic comeback against Brighton a few weeks ago, where the Foxes rallied from two goals down to secure a draw.
He subsequently missed last weekend's heavy defeat to Newcastle United due to the hamstring issue.
Although Ndidi has started his rehabilitation, the match against Wolverhampton Wanderers has come too soon for his return.
How will Newcastle cope without Ndidi?
Leicester City have conceded six goals since Wilfred Ndidi's last appearance on the pitch, including a crushing 4-0 defeat to Newcastle last weekend.
Van Nistelrooy appears to favour an expansive and open style of play, which often leaves the team vulnerable to exploitation by opponents. This vulnerability was evident in the game against Newcastle.
Without Ndidi—a player who excels in chaotic situations, mops up loose balls, makes vital tackles, and chases down opposition threats—Newcastle sliced through Leicester’s midfield with alarming ease, creating a lot of chances and having a lot of shots at goal.
Defensively, Ndidi has been indispensable, registering 48 tackles in the league this season—the highest in the team. However, since Van Nistelrooy’s arrival, Ndidi's importance has shot through the roof, as he has rediscovered his form in a more familiar defensive midfield role.
His absence will be deeply felt against a Wolves side that also thrives in open spaces and plays a similarly expansive style, which means there is more hurt in the Foxes' immediate future.
