The midfielder picked up a hamstring injury last month during the Foxes’ 2-2 draw against Burnley.
Browsing: Wilfred Ndidi
The defensive midfielder has been left out of the Nigeria squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifying double header against the Central African Republic because of the injury, and Brendan Rodgers admitted it could see him miss out on the fixture at Selhurst Park.
Ndidi and Etebo are both ruled out injured for the double header fixtures against the CAR team with only Frank Onyeka and Innocent Bonke as the natural DMs in the 23-man list announced, Thursday.
While Ndidi and Osimhen are sure bets for the starting starting line up, their compatriot, Iheanacho may start the tie from the bench.
Jamie Vardy’s 41st minute strike, after excellent wing-play from Ricardo Pereira, got the Foxes off to the perfect start in the 2021/22 Premier League season and they’re next in action on Monday evening against West Ham United at London Stadium.
Iheanacho, who converted a spot kick in Leicester City three-all draw against QPR, will be aiming to further consolidate on his scoring record.
The Nigerian midfielder was part of the main group of players to return to pre-season training last week.
Andre Zambo Anguissa caught goalkeeper Maduka Okoye napping with a ferocious grounder after latching on to William Ekong’s interception nine minutes before the break at the Stadion Wiener Neustadt.
Iheanacho, who prides himself as Africa’s all-time highest goal sorcerer in the FA Cup, led the celebrations with the Nigerian flag, while his compatriot Ndidi also joined in wrapping the flag around themselves.
Both players made major contributions in Leicester City’s cup run, culminating in the triumphant scenes at Wembley after they edged Chelsea 1-0 to claim a first ever FA Cup title for the club and the duo themselves.
The duo helped their club, Leicester City, to clinch the 2020/2021 English FA Cup title.
Both players featured in the encounter at Wembley and at the end celebrated enthusiastically with a Nigeria flag as they joined a list of only seven other Nigerian players to have lifted England’s most glamorous diadem.
Youri Tielemans scored a wonder goal and the video assistant referee (VAR) then came to the rescue for Leicester City to win the FA Cup for the first time.
Two Nigerians: Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi, both starred in the gruelling match their club won
The Foxes will be taking part in their fifth final as they search for their maiden FA Cup crown, while today’s game represents Chelsea’s 15th appearance in the showpiece event as they seek a ninth triumph.
Iheanacho, 24, was overlooked by Nigeria for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations finals after finding himself on the fringes with the Foxes.
The Nigerian so far netted 11 Premier League goals, three goals in the UEFA Europa League and four goals in the FA Cup this season.
The Catalan giants have identified the Leicester City midfield powerhouse as an alternative for N’Golo Kante, whose €60 million valuation is unaffordable.
Iheanacho has 14 goals in 30 appearances for the Foxes this season, having netted 10 last term and just two in 2018-19.
Iheanacho scored the Foxes’ first-half equaliser against the Clarets, a first-time volley after being found by a pass from Ndidi.