Following Steve Cooper’s dismissal as Leicester City manager, the focus has shifted to the impact on key players and the team’s future. Midfielder Harry Winks is currently a concern due to injury, with his availability for upcoming matches uncertain. Meanwhile, several players who struggled under Cooper, including Jannik Vestergaard, Stephy Mavididi, and Ricardo Pereira, will be eager to prove themselves under new management. With a fresh direction, these players could play pivotal roles in Leicester’s quest for improvement in the Premier League.
Is Leicester’s Harry Winks Injured? Premier League Update
Leicester City fired manager Steve Cooper after a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea last week, leaving them Only one point separates them from the relegation zone in 16th place in the Premier League.
West Brom’s current manager, Carlos Corberan, is reportedly one of the top contenders to replace Cooper, who only took charge of Leicester at the start of the 2024/25 season.
With Premier League injuries mounting, the loss to Chelsea marked their sixth of the season, and things worsened when midfielder Harry Winks was substituted after only 11 minutes.
Is Harry Winks Unavailable Due to Injury This Weekend?
Before the Chelsea match, Winks had participated in all of Leicester’s Premier League games this season except for one.
He didn’t start against Southampton but was substituted in at halftime with his team trailing 2-0. Leicester then made a comeback to win 3-2, highlighting that the former Spurs player will be a significant loss.
Before his departure, Cooper provided an update on Winks’ injury, stating: “It’s his groin, fingers crossed.
“Sometimes these things can be a week, sometimes they can be… we saw what happened with Ricardo. When I said we need to do better with the ball, Winksy would start that more than anybody else for us.
“That’s his super-strength, his control of games, and his ability to start attacks and keep momentum in the game.
“It was a blow, him coming off, and maybe that did have an interference with why we didn’t have enough good moments on the ball in the first half.”
Cooper’s remarks imply that Winks might not be ready in time for Leicester’s match against Brentford when Premier League action resumes this Saturday.
The English midfielder will be hoping the injury isn’t severe, allowing him to recover quickly and play a key role in Leicester’s new manager’s plans – whoever that may be.
3 Leicester City Players Who Could Gain from Steve Cooper’s Dismissal
This week, much of the talk around Leicester City has focused on their search for a new manager. Over the weekend, the Foxes ended their relationship with former boss Steve Cooper following a tough start to the season.
The board’s decision to sack Steve Cooper was driven by concerns over Leicester’s potential relegation and the belief that Cooper had difficulty connecting with the club and its players, despite his efforts.
With new management on the horizon, Leicester City is set for a fresh start. Players who may have struggled under Cooper will be eager for a new direction.
Jannik Vestergaard
Last season, defender Jannik Vestergaard was a regular in Leicester City’s starting lineup. However, after Enzo Maresca’s departure and Steve Cooper’s appointment, Vestergaard saw his position in the team slip.
Although not officially confirmed, it’s widely believed that Steve Cooper wasn’t fond of Vestergaard, with speculation suggesting a possible fallout between them.
Putting rumors aside, Vestergaard will be eager for a fresh chance to prove himself to the new manager. Leicester fans are aware of the potential he has when he fully commits.
Stephy Mavididi
Stephy Mavididi wasn’t excluded to the same extent as Vestergaard under Steve Cooper, but his playing time did significantly drop. Mavididi started just seven Premier League matches during Cooper’s tenure.
With new management in place, Mavididi will be determined to make his mark and become a regular starter. After showing significant progress last season, Leicester fans will be excited to see how the 26-year-old, now entering his prime, develops under the new plan.
Ricardo Pereira
One of the more unexpected absences this season has been Ricardo Pereira. Despite being one of the more talented full-backs in the lower half, Pereira has seen very little playing time.
Injuries have certainly hindered his chances recently, but Cooper never seemed to be particularly fond of the full-back.
With new management in place, there’s hope that Pereira will have the opportunity to secure a regular spot in the starting lineup. He undoubtedly has the quality to be a key player.
Stay on Top of the Game! Get the latest football news, updates, and insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Subscribe Now