All eyes were on the Leicester City teamsheet as Ruud van Nistelrooy’s men visited Brighton on Saturday afternoon.
Following a run of eight straight losses in the league, Van Nistelrooy hinted at a change in formation, with Ricardo Pereira spoken about in his plans.
But that wasn’t the biggest talking point ahead of the clash against Brighton, as supporters were hoping to see Jeremy Monga named on the team sheet.
Monga made his debut on Monday night as Leicester lost 3-0 against Newcastle United, and the 15-year-old was promised further minutes by Van Nistelrooy in the final seven matches.
However, when the lineup was announced at the AMEX stadium, fans were surprised to see him missing from the squad and there was a reason why.
Ruud van Nistelrooy confirms Jeremy Monga picked up a knock in training
It would have been brilliant to see the sensational teenager either start against the Seagulls or receive further minutes from the bench.
Monga embarrassed his teammates in Leicester training and looked ready to make more of an impact in the first-team squad.
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Unfortunately, he was denied that opportunity as Van Nistelrooy confirmed the Englishman picked up a knock in training and wasn’t able to carry on.
Monga has been named in England’s latest under-16 squad, so the knock doesn’t sound serious, with it looking likely Van Nistelrooy didn’t want to risk him.
Youthful representation in Leicester squad
Although the 2009-born star was left out with injury, two other Leicester under-21 stars were named on the team sheet.
18-year-old defender Olabade Aluko was named in the squad alongside 17-year-old striker Jake Evans, two players who will be hopeful of making their first-team debuts.
Evans is currently the second-top scorer in Premier League 2 and has been tipped to become the heir to Jamie Vardy while Aluko is a promising defender who has flourished in the under-21s.
While the form of the Foxes has been depressing, the present and future of the youth system is looking bright.