Leicester City boss Martí Cifuentes has admitted there are fresh concerns over Jordan James’ fitness ahead of Saturday’s home clash with Ipswich Town.
The midfielder was withdrawn just after the hour mark during Wednesday’s 2-2 draw at Bristol City, a match in which the Foxes surrendered a 2-1 lead late on. The result leaves Leicester with only one win from their last four league outings, increasing the pressure on Cifuentes as the busy December schedule continues.
James, who joined Leicester on loan from Rennes in the summer after struggling for minutes in France, has quickly become a key figure in the Championship. The 21-year-old has featured 16 times this season—starting 15—and has chipped in with five goals and two assists.
Cifuentes provides worrying update
Speaking after the draw at Ashton Gate, Cifuentes revealed that James had been carrying a groin issue that worsened as the match progressed.
“With JJ, we had to take him off because he was struggling at half-time,” the manager explained, via Leicestershire Live. “We tried to see how he would cope in the second half, but it wasn’t improving. With another game in 48 hours, it’s important to keep everyone fit. Hopefully he’ll be okay for Saturday—he’s a very important player for us.”
James has started Leicester’s last 15 league matches and has scored against Wrexham, Swansea, Norwich and Derby, establishing himself as one of the side’s most consistent performers.
A major setback for the Foxes
Leicester sit 13th in the Championship—three points shy of the play-offs—and Saturday’s fixture against high-flying Ipswich could hardly come at a more delicate moment. With Boubakary Soumaré and Aaron Ramsey also unavailable, James’ potential absence exposes an already stretched midfield.
For Cifuentes, the timing is far from ideal. Leicester urgently need to regain momentum, yet risking James could worsen the injury and lead to a longer spell on the sidelines. Resting him may be the club’s safest option, even if it leaves them weakened against one of the league’s most in-form teams.
The crucial home meeting with Ipswich kicks off at 3pm on 13 December at the King Power Stadium.