Two Leicester injury boosts for Notts County game amid one blow
LeicesterCity have ended up being one of the busiest clubs in the EPL transfer market this summer, bringing in Conor Chaplin, Harry Howell, Admir Bristric, Liam Cullen, Wes Burns, Tommy Watson, Alex McCarthy, Franco Ravizzoli and Christian McFarlane. While parting ways with key figures including Harry Winks, Abdul Fatawu, Jeremy Monga, Jannik Vestergaard, Patson Daka, Ricardo Pereira and Jordan Ayew.
There is still a sense, however, that additional depth (particularly in central defence and possibly elsewhere) may be required before the window closes to see the East Midlanders through a gruelling League One campaign. The Foxes began their domestic season with a slight Carabao Cup victory over Northampton Town at King Power Stadium last weekend, a result that brought early confidence but only provided a limited insight into Russell Martin's new-look side.
Saturday's tier-two curtain-raiser at Notts County, by contrast, represents a far sterner examination and will offer a much clearer indication of where the LCFC squad stands and how well the former Southampton boss's methods are taking hold. Martin has confirmed that no further striker signings will be made before the deadline, meaning Admir Bristric, Bobby Decordova-Reid and Liam Cullen will lead the attacking line for the coming season.
Obviously all three footballers possess quality and distinct stylistic strengths. Nevertheless, there are already questions among supporters and analysts alike over whether that trio alone can supply enough consistent firepower to mount a genuine promotion challenge.
Leicester City injury updates
On the fitness front, there is significantly more positive news for the Leicestershire team heading into the short trip to Meadow Lane. Goalkeeper Alex McCarthy is back in full contention after missing the EFL cup tie. His return not only provides experienced competition but also raises the prospect that he could eventually dislodge Jakub Stolarczyk between the posts.
Similarly, loanee Christian McFarlane's clearance means Luke Thomas now faces genuine competition at left-back. A battle that should bring out the best in both players over the months ahead.
We begin the Sky Bet League One campaign at Notts County on Saturday afternoon Goalkeeper Alex McCarthy is 'ready' for contention after missing last weekend's Carabao Cup win over Northampton Midfielder Conor Chaplin remains out for the trip to Meadow Lane Ben Nelson is the only current long-term injury in Russell Martin's squad lcfc.com
The one major, and potentially problematic, cloud hanging over the squad is the continued absence of Conor Chaplin. Only recently signed as one of the summer's key recruits, the attacking midfielder is already sidelined and unavailable for selection.
This is undoubtedly a frustrating start to the ex-Ipswich Town man's Leicester career and a setback that deprives Martin of a creative option he was relying on from day one. With Ben Nelson also facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines through injury, the roster is not entirely without concerns, but the gaffer can at least head into his first league game with a largely fit group.
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Leicester injury news: Christian McFarlane, Conor Chaplin, Alex McCarthy
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