July 4, 2024

Enzo Maresca ends 101-year Leicester City drought as cryptic move puts five on transfer path - Leicestershire Live

Callum Doyle injury latest as Enzo Maresca fears Leicester City defender would be ‘big loss’

The Manchester City loanee will undergo a scan on Monday to determine the severity of a knee injury, the teenager seen leaving the King Power Stadium in a leg brace and on crutches

Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca is hoping not to suffer the “big loss” of an injury to Callum Doyle after the defender left the King Power Stadium on crutches.

Callum Doyle played the first half of Leicester City's win over Bristol City but did not emerge for the second period

Doyle had played every single minute of City’s season up until half-time of Saturday’s 1-0 over Bristol City, when he was substituted for James Justin. Then, after the game, he was seen leaving the ground with his left leg in a brace and walking with the aid of crutches.

Callum Doyle played the first half of Leicester City's win over Bristol City but did not emerge for the second period

Maresca said the Manchester City loanee had hurt his knee and would have a scan on Monday to determine the extent of the injury. The problem may have arisen early in the first half when Doyle went in for a block tackle.

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“He had a problem in his knee,” Maresca said. “On Monday they’re going to scan him and hopefully it’s nothing because he would be a big loss.”

Having deputised for Doyle, making his first home appearance for more than 10 months in the process, Justin is the obvious option if the teenager is ruled out. However, Maresca said he is not a direct replacement for Doyle because he is not left-footed.

Callum Doyle played the first half of Leicester City's win over Bristol City but did not emerge for the second period

“When you have a left-footed player there, it’s completely different,” the manager added. “JJ is right-footed. He did fantastic. Unfortunately we don’t have a left-footed central defender if Callum is out. But we’re going to see anyway.”

Maresca would have had a natural left-footed player in reserve had Victor Kristiansen stayed at the club. The manager saw him as a potential deputy to Doyle, but the Dane wanted to continue playing as a traditional left-back, and sealed a loan move to Bologna in Serie A in the final week of the transfer window.

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