Leicester City face Aston Villa in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final this evening, with the prospect of a first Cup final appearance since 2000 on the line for the Foxes. However, the biggest decision prior to kick-off for Brendan Rodgers is deciding whether to start Premier League top-scorer Jamie Vardy, who has been struggling with a gluteal issue after having been substituted before half-time against West Ham. With the Englishman a potential injury doubt and his form beginning to wane, Brendan Rodgers would be best off starting Kelechi Iheanacho in this crunch fixture.
The Nigerian striker has been putting in some promising displays since Vardy’s form began to tail off, with the Englishman failing to find the back of the net in his past five games. Meanwhile, the former Manchester City striker has found the back of the net three times in his previous seven appearances, along with providing an assist. Even though in the early stages of the season Vardy appeared to be Leicester City’s most potent goal threat, racing to 17 Premier League goals, at this moment in time he is forced to concede that his deputy is in the better form of the pair.
Additionally, it would not be worth risking a player who Rodgers described as possibly being “80 percent”; having said this, the Northern Irishman stated he would rather have an “80 percent Jamie Vardy” who “has a part to play”. The Foxes boss has to question if a player whose game is predominantly based around his searing pace should be selected with a gluteal issue. If he is not fit to start, even by coming on and attempting to adapt to the speed of play instantly, Vardy could easily make a minor injury a significant loss and miss the final should Leicester City progress.
Ultimately the decision on whether the player is fit enough to have an impact on proceedings falls on the manager. However, an example from December’s Premier League fixture between the two sides highlights how the Foxes cannot afford to carry a player as was seen opposition defender, Tyrone Mings. The defender was spotted limping with a hamstring problem but continued, which led to Villa conceding. A reverse in fortunes could see the centre back having an evening off if Vardy returns too early and that is not a risk Rodgers can afford to take in a season-defining fixture for the Foxes.
