Leicester City face Bournemouth in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Tuesday evening and team news has now emerged.
Speaking on Monday, Enzo Maresca provided an injury update on his squad and noted that three players could be sidelined.
“Kasey (McAteer) had some problems. We don’t know if he can be available for tomorrow. Jamie’s injured. They said to me, it could be one week, 10 days, maybe two weeks, and Wilf (Ndidi) is still injured.”
The Italian head coach also confirmed that he’ll be making wholesale changes to the starting line-up but stresses it’ll remain a strong side.
“We’ll go strong. But for sure we are going to make changes. We are going to make nine, 10, 11 changes. There are players who deserve their chances. We’re going to prepare the game the best we can to win the game. We just need to make our best and try to win the game.”
Kasey McAteer a fresh injury concern
Maresca confirmed that Kasey McAteer may miss Tuesday’s FA Cup clash against the Cherries, though, he didn’t say exactly what the injury was.
The 22-year-old wide player is enjoying a marvellous breakout season with the Foxes and has made 23 appearances, netting six times in all competitions.
Whilst he hasn’t started as much of late, he’s still often featured as a substitute and has been utilised to close games out.
McAteer’s endeavour and work rate has played a pivotal role in his progression to the first team and Maresca will be desperate to lose that towards the business end of the campaign.
The Foxes boss was not able to issue a timeline on his return.
Maresca to make mass chances against Bournemouth
Leicester City are expected to make mass changes against their Premier League opposition on Tuesday, so who could come in?
Well, Kelechi Iheanacho hasn’t featured since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations with runners-up Nigeria, so it’s likely he’ll be named in the 11.
Tom Cannon could also get his chance from the start, as may Dennis Praet, Yunus Akgun and Conor Coady, all of whom have played a sporadic role for City.
Tuesday’s game may also serve as a great opportunity to field players from the academy, with Brandon Cover, Wanya Marcal and Arjan Raikhy all having featured in the FA Cup previously.
Nonetheless, it should be an intriguing game and a great test for the Premier League hopefuls.