Leicester City manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has confirmed that Wilfred Ndidi will be part of the squad for the Emirates FA Cup fourth round match against Manchester United on Friday. Ndidi has been out of action since suffering an injury during the Premier League clash with Brighton & Hove Albion last December.

Having spent the last two weeks training at Seagrave, the Nigerian international is close to making a return to the starting lineup. Van Nistelrooy expressed satisfaction with the player’s progress, stating, "Wilf is fine. He had a great week of training last week and this week. He’ll be part of the squad tomorrow."

Meanwhile, the manager noted that a few players are dealing with minor injuries and will be assessed before finalizing the travelling squad. With Leicester aiming to progress further in the FA Cup, Ndidi’s return could provide a crucial boost.

Editorial

Wilfred Ndidi’s return to Leicester City’s squad comes at a pivotal time as the Foxes face a tough FA Cup tie against Manchester United. His absence has been felt, with Leicester struggling to find balance in midfield since his injury. For Ndidi, this return isn’t just about helping his club it’s also a chance to regain momentum ahead of potential international duty with Nigeria.

Known for his defensive prowess and ability to shield the backline, Ndidi’s influence in midfield could be critical to Leicester’s cup ambitions. However, this return raises a larger conversation about player fitness and squad depth. Leicester’s over reliance on Ndidi in recent seasons underscores the importance of having strong backup options, especially in a season riddled with injuries. The Foxes must focus on long-term planning and squad rotation to avoid similar situations in the future.

As fans, we’re eager to see how Ndidi’s comeback unfolds. Will he hit the ground running or take time to find his rhythm? Either way, his presence on the pitch brings hope for a stronger midfield performance against a formidable United side.

Did You Know?

1. Wilfred Ndidi joined Leicester City from Belgian side KRC Genk in 2017.


2. The FA Cup is the oldest national football competition in the world, dating back to 1871.


3. Ndidi has been named Leicester’s Player of the Month multiple times due to his outstanding performances.


4. Manchester United have won the FA Cup 12 times, with their most recent victory in 2016.


5. Seagrave, Leicester City’s training ground, is one of the most advanced training facilities in Europe, opened in 2020.