Jonny Evans has ‘exposed’ the ‘brutal reality’ at Leicester City – expert
Leicester City have had their defensive shortcomings “exposed” by the absence of Jonny Evans this season.
That is the view of injury expert Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in medicine and data analysis.
Evans, 34, has started just nine league matches this term after grappling with multiple injury issues.
A plantar fasciitis foot problem sidelined him for the early stages of 2020-21 and a hamstring setback has meant he has not played since mid-December.
Leicestershire Live reported today (7 March) that Evans is now expected to return before the end of the season.
The Foxes have been woeful at the back throughout the Northern Ireland star’s absence, insists Dinnery.
“His absence has exposed plenty of defensive frailties,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“That’s the brutal reality of the situation. Evans is the leader in that defence. He’s the guy they look to control that backline.
“Brendan Rodgers will be desperate to get him back. He is 34 years of age now and will want to be playing games at every opportunity.
“There’s still an opportunity for silverware with the Europa Conference League.
“I don’t think they are going to get dragged into a relegation scrap, but they will feel they need him back soon in any case.
“It’s an opportunity between now and the end of the season to get some minutes in his legs.
“He’ll have very little time off before pre-season. He’ll want to get fit ahead of pre-season so he can hit the ground running.
“When you have been out for such a long time, you don’t want to be playing catch-up straight from the off.
“So he might get seven or 10 days off and then it’s back to work.”
Only five Premier League teams have conceded more than Brendan Rodgers’ side this season.
Evans has scored twice and provided one assist in his 15 appearances in 2021-22.
In other news, Aston Villa told to forget Leicester City star Wilfred Ndidi and sign 25-year-old after source’s update.