Leicester City manager Russell Martin has provided a fresh update on the fitness of his squad after the club’s 1-0 pre-season defeat to Genoa at the King Power Stadium, confirming that teenage defender Ben Nelson left the pitch with a knee problem and will be monitored over the coming days.
Nelson to be assessed as City await clarity
Nelson, who was forced off in the first half after treatment to his right knee following a tangle of legs, is now subject to further checks. Martin described the knock as a concern but urged caution until scans and assessments are complete. No timescale for a return was given.
“Hopefully it’s nothing serious and we’ll assess that in the next couple of days,”
“He’s hurt his knee so we’ll have to wait and see how that reacts. It’s a real shame because he’s been fantastic and I’ve really enjoyed working with him. He’s an amazing young player with so many attributes. We’ll keep our fingers crossed that it’s not too serious.”
The centre-back’s absence will be watched closely by supporters and staff. Nelson featured regularly in pre-season and had been one of the young players to make an impression under Martin’s management. The club has not provided further medical detail at this stage.
Alves, Chaplin and McCarthy: knocks but optimistic for cup tie
Meanwhile, winger Will Alves — who returned from a loan spell at Huddersfield Town and scored in pre-season friendlies — missed the Genoa game after picking up a minor knock during the week. Martin said Alves trained on the grass at an open session on Friday and expects him to be available for Leicester’s Carabao Cup first-round match against Northampton Town next weekend.
New signings Conor Chaplin and Alex McCarthy also missed the Genoa fixture with minor knocks, but Martin indicated both should be fit for the opening cup tie.
- Ben Nelson: left vs Genoa with a right-knee issue; scans/assessment to follow.
- Will Alves: missed the match after a minor knock; trained on Friday and expected to be available for Northampton.
- Conor Chaplin & Alex McCarthy: absent through minor knocks; hope is they will be fit for the Carabao Cup.
| Player | Issue | Immediate outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Ben Nelson | Right knee | Under assessment over next few days |
| Will Alves | Minor knock | Trained; expected for Northampton |
| Conor Chaplin | Minor knock | Hopeful for cup tie |
| Alex McCarthy | Minor knock | Hopeful for cup tie |
The update will bring mixed relief and worry to supporters across the county. With the Carabao Cup tie at the weekend and the Championship campaign approaching, the fitness of emerging talents such as Nelson — as well as the availability of returning loanees like Alves — is significant for squad planning.
Further medical updates are expected once the club completes its assessments. For now, Martin has urged caution while remaining hopeful that the knocks affecting his players are not long-term setbacks.
