Gary Lineker names two 'deeply concerning' Leicester City issues in tight relegation battle
An injury to Jamie Vardy would be “deeply concerning” with Leicester City still reliant on their number nine for goals, club icon Gary Lineker has said.
Vardy scored his seventh of the Premier League season in Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Tottenham, three more than the club’s next leading scorers, Facundo Buonanotte and Jordan Ayew. Despite being 38, Vardy’s only missed two league games so far this term, with Ruud van Nistelrooy showing few signs of resting his captain.
But Lineker is worried what might happen should Vardy be absent for a longer period. That, and the lack of pace at centre-back with Wout Faes and Jannik Vestergaard, are his concerns as City try to keep themselves in the Premier League.
READ MORE: Ruud van Nistelrooy explains surprise decision that should be a reminder to Leicester City squad
READ MORE: Hamza Choudhury's first words after leaving Leicester City as spot for transfer opens up
“It’s been a grim few weeks,” Lineker said on The Rest is Football podcast. “Seven defeats on the bounce. It’s a mixture of elation and joy and relief, because it just gives you a little bit of hope.
“(Vardy) is still scoring in a team that’s struggling. He’s 38 now and he’s still hungry for it. He’s still sharp and he’s still fit but I don’t think he can press for 90 minutes and do that side of the game.
“I wonder whether it’s because he came late to elite football. Ian Wright went quite long into his career. They have very similar stories in many ways. I wonder if it’s because he came late and didn’t have the accumulation of games as a young player at the top level that a lot of other players have. He’s also built like a whippet. He’s so skinny and sharp.”
“I think they’ve struggled to find someone up there (as a replacement). It’s probably difficult at that age to play every single game. (Patson) Daka’s not quite done it in the top flight. Leicester are reliant on him and an injury to Vardy would be deeply concerning for Leicester fans.
“I think it’s two from three. I think Southampton, it would be a miracle if they came out of it. I think it’s going to be between Ipswich, Wolves and Leicester. We struggle in the centre of defence sometimes, particularly on the counter, because there’s a lack of pace there, so that worries me.
“I think we’ve got a chance. Ipswich have taken a couple of beatings but against very good opposition. Wolves seem to be in a rut. They had an initial bounce but the last few games they’ve struggled and there’s unrest in the crowd, they’re having a go at the owners. You win two games on the bounce and the world’s a better place.”
While it was Vardy who scored the equaliser, the winner was netted by Bilal El Khannouss, 18 years his junior. The Moroccan curled in from the edge of the box and has probably been City’s star performer under van Nistelrooy.
“The second goal particularly was a fantastic finish from El Khannouss,” Lineker added. “He’s a very talented young player. He’s had some really good performances for Leicester in a difficult period.”
