Wilfred Ndidi, just like his Leicester City and Nigeria teammate Kelechi Iheanacho, has encountered an injury that might sideline him for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. Despite his potential inclusion in the squad for City’s recent 4-1 triumph over Huddersfield on New Year’s Day, Ndidi sustained an injury following the win at Cardiff, prompting his absence from the match.

This turn of events places a question mark over his availability for the imminent tournament. While scheduled to rendezvous with Nigeria this week before the January 13 kick-off in Ivory Coast, Manager Enzo Maresca indicated that Ndidi’s fitness for play remains uncertain. This also applies to Iheanacho, who has been absent from City’s last two squads due to injury.

Additionally, Patson Daka was absent from the recent lineup against Huddersfield as he had departed the City camp to join the Zambian national team for the Afcon competition. Similarly, Harry Souttar has joined Australia’s preparations for the Asian Cup, which coincides with the Afcon schedule.

Maresca elaborated on the situation, expressing that both Kele and Wilf are nursing injuries, yet are expected to join their international teams. However, the decision to retain them or allow them to return remains uncertain due to their respective injuries. The unavailability of these key players adds to the roster challenges as Pat Daka and Harry Souttar have already joined their national teams, and the others are also contending with injuries.

In fact, seven senior players were unavailable, including Jamie Vardy, Dennis Praet, and Kasey McAteer. Given this predicament, Ben Nelson, Wanya Marcal, and Tawanda Maswanhise were among the substitutes during the Huddersfield match, with Marcal marking his first senior appearance since August. Notably, Marc Albrighton made a return from injury, contributing during the final 15 minutes off the bench.

The absence of Daka due to Afcon, coupled with injuries to Iheanacho and Vardy, has left Tom Cannon as the sole fit senior striker at the club. In an exciting turn of events, the 21-year-old seized the opportunity, delivering an impactful performance with a double during his home debut.