Nigel Pearson set to ring changes for Leicester City's FA Cup tie against Huddersfield
Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson has vowed to freshen up his side for tonight's visit of Huddersfield.
City take on the Terriers in an FA Cup fourth-round replay at the King Power Stadium (7.30).
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With Premier League side Wigan awaiting the winners in the fifth round on Sunday, City will definitely be without striker Chris Wood and midfielder Ben Marshall.
Wood missed the 2-1 defeat at Peterborough on Saturday after picking up a knock on his knee during training, but Pearson said the injury is not serious.
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Wood, who has scored seven goals in his first six City games, could be back for the visit of Charlton next week.
Pearson could not give a time-scale for Marshall's availability after he damaged his foot at London Road.
Marshall has undergone an X-ray, which has revealed there is no broken bone in his foot, but Pearson said the injury was still being assessed.
"Ben had a X-ray so we have ruled out a break," said Pearson. "We just have to see how he recovers over the next few days.
"He sustained it just after he scored at Peterborough. He had another chance at the far post. He went to shoot and kicked the defender's foot.
"It was a concern that it might be more serious. He is a bit sore at the moment and we are not sure when he will be available.
"Wood isn't available, but hopefully he will be back for our next league game.
"We have a few players who have been suffering with colds and 'flu and such like. That has been a bit irritating for us trying to manage the squad through the weeks building up to games, but the players have just got on with it.
"I will make some changes, but I will make changes that will give us opportunities to win the game.
"We don't have a big squad in terms of having lots of fringe players.
"We have a tight squad of good players and I will be looking to freshen it up where I need to.
"But, essentially, we are trying to get the side right so we can go and win the game."
Defenders Sean St Ledger and Zak Whitbread continued their comebacks from injury in the development squad's 3-1 defeat against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, but Pearson said they were unlikely to feature against the Terriers tonight.
Whoever Pearson does call upon, the City boss said it was up to them to stake their claim for a regular place in his side.
"There will be opportunities for players, and it is up to those individuals to go out and really stamp their authority on the game," he said.
"I will fully expect that to happen. It will be a different side and a different complexion to the team, but I am not going to make too many changes."
51 Comments
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by Happy_Fox
Wednesday, February 13 2013, 9:25AM
“Anyone know how serious Wood's 'injury' is?”
by dobranich
Wednesday, February 13 2013, 7:23AM
“happy your humble opinion would not be far wrong”
by Happy_Fox
Tuesday, February 12 2013, 10:33PM
“As much as I would have liked a cup run, the squad does not have enough quality to do well in both competitions
If Wood and Nugent play remaining games, I predict 50/50 chance of getting second place.
If Wood or Nugent are out injured for a long spell I predict we have a 50/50 chance of making the play off places.
Just my humble opinion.”
by dobranich
Tuesday, February 12 2013, 10:27PM
“Calm down Ghost we were pathetic thru a full two games. No desire no passion no hope. Pearson was great in post match interview. We can't defend we can't score goals. He got that one right at least. Wood was his and the teams saviour the one and only hope we have. He is the only premiership level player. It's not the end of the world Wigan would have smashed this lot into oblivion. At least the poor souls have a rest now. Personally I'm glad Pearson has not spent a lot of money because thru the scouting system we have done ok and there is material there with great potential. Whether Pearson knows how to mould it well enough remains to be seen. I hope so. If not there may well be someone around that does know. The fact is that the owners have made it clear they want promotion this season. They want return on investment. They are not a charity. If we don't go up this season Mr Pearson will start the next one on extremely thin ice.
At least he tried Futacs it couldn't have been worse with the others which was plain to see when they came on. Enoughs enough players out on loan please and players in on loan who are good enough to get us promoted. The fact is that we are not good enough. It gives a false impression when Wood is playing as he is class. The position we are in is flimsy and I feel sorry for anyone who paid to see this garbage.”
by ghostof66pah
Tuesday, February 12 2013, 10:08PM
“Is it a witch hunt or has it got some substance?
Rumours were rife at the match tonight that Pearson has had a massive bust up with Chris Wood and that the player is away from the club whilst a disciplinary process is undertaken????????????????????????
Woods was reported as being at Bowling and even out of the Country??????????????????????
On the field it's not all doom and gloom....
Remember that it took 5 wins on the trot to get us to 2nd place. A run that wasn't realistic to continue. 1 defeat and we are 3rd - but with a game in hand - Defeat in the Cup is a blow and no credit for a lackluster performance. But it wasn't points lost. Now if we get a similar performance/result v Charlton there will rightly be questions to answer..
BUT WE WILL WIN! - won't we?? -”
by ghostof66pah
Tuesday, February 12 2013, 9:56PM
“On the plus side,, we are 3rd in the league with a game in hand on all but Cardiff......
Enjoy the ride you Blues.............”
by ghostof66pah
Tuesday, February 12 2013, 9:52PM
“So there we have it.... What a load of Sh*te............ If LCFC were interested in a cup run they would not have played like that! A team on paper well capable of beating Huddersfield amble through 90 minutes of torture for those poor bug**rs who paid £10.. Wasn't worth £5...
So here we are.....
16 league games for the management to plan and pick teams to play with what can be achieved if they play with the desire that this league demands as a minimum.
No more excuses for showing a lack of desire........... Playing poor and getting a result is so much better than playing poor and hiding...
Futacs you are having a laugh! Why play Nugent & Koncheski when they clearly were not interested in this game........
Charlton next up and i'll expect Nigel to NOT allow anything but a WIN... His job clearly hinges on getting promotion and he won't let the team lose on Tues v Charlton...”
by plies
Tuesday, February 12 2013, 7:22PM
“vardy should be playing, the stick he is getting is ridiculous. Hes trying his best out there, give him a break. Lets get behind the lads.”
by ghostof66pah
Tuesday, February 12 2013, 7:14PM
“PS, come on Derby..................
Come Dirty Leeds
and come on the Blackburn...
a bit much to ask for 3 away wins but if Derby don't lose and Leicester get through it'll be a great night....”
by dobranich
Tuesday, February 12 2013, 7:14PM
“you might be right Ghost with that bet. Even Halleys Comet shows up now and again.”