Enzo Maresca provides an insight into the fitness status of his squad as they gear up for their final fixture of 2023 in Cardiff, with Dennis Praet poised to make a return after being sidelined for the Ipswich match.
Dennis Praet, who has faced setbacks due to a back injury this season, encountered another minor setback that prevented his participation in the recent fixture against Ipswich. Despite his limited availability, he made impactful contributions, showcasing his potential during substitute appearances against Plymouth and Millwall. However, his subsequent absence due to illness for the Birmingham trip was followed by a return against Rotherham, where he played a role in the team’s third goal. Unfortunately, a small issue kept him out of the Ipswich clash.
Enzo Maresca expressed optimism regarding Praet’s prospects for the upcoming match, emphasizing the likelihood of his availability for the upcoming clash in Cardiff, following positive updates on his condition. “Dennis missed today because he felt something yesterday (Christmas Day) during the session,” Maresca stated after the Ipswich match. “They just said to me that it’s nothing important, so he probably could be okay for Cardiff.”
However, other key players, including Jamie Vardy (knee), Kasey McAteer (hamstring), and Marc Albrighton, continue to be absent due to their respective injuries, with Maresca confirming that their return is not imminent. “They are still out, all of them. They’re going to be out.”
In light of McAteer’s and Albrighton’s absence and Wanya Marcal’s injury sidelining him until January, Leicester City faces a shortage of options in the winger position. This circumstance may prompt Maresca to consider alternative starting options, with Yunus Akgun emerging as a potential contender for a starting role, building on his recent substitute appearance against Ipswich. Abdul Fatawu has been a consistent starter in the last five matches, while Stephy Mavididi has featured in the starting lineup for the past 13 fixtures.
