Leicester City

Leicester City

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Brendan Rodgers confirms Leicester man out for rest of season; lauds Harry Maguire

Brendan Rodgers pictured after Leicester match

Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers has confirmed Wilfred Ndidi is out for the rest of the season and weighed in on criticism facing Harry Maguire.

Ndidi, 25, has made 31 appearances this term, registering two goals and one assist. He has been important for the Foxes during an injury-hit campaign but is now among the list of recovering stars.

The defensive midfielder came off 60 minutes into Leicester’s 2-1 defeat to Rennes in the Europa Conference League.

Despite the loss, Rodgers’ men went through thanks to a 2-0 victory in the first leg.

There were concerns Ndidi would miss several weeks, but the knee injury is worse than originally thought.

Ahead of Leicester’s trip to Manchester United on Saturday, Rodgers was asked about the star.

Player’s surgery revealed by Brendan Rodgers

He told a press conference (via Leicester Mercury): “He has had surgery and will be looking to get back in June. Papy Mendy has come in, we thought he was leaving last summer but has come back in and he’s always been professional.”

Providing a wider injury update, Rodgers said: “Jonny Evans will be available, whether he’s able to play a whole game or not.

“Wesley [Fofana] will be back involved as well. Luke Thomas picks up an injury, so he’s a doubt for the weekend.”

Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers

According to The Times, the Premier League will allow clubs to use five substitutes per game next season, rather than three.

On the change, Rodgers said: “Certainly having experienced it, I’m very much in favour of it.

“At the beginning I was in favour of three, but having had a look at it, primarily for the health of the players, five works much better.”

Manager talks five subs rule

When asked if it benefitted the bigger teams, Rodgers replied: “It can do, but ultimately it’s about the players.

“In cup competitions I’ve been able to take players off who were struggling. There have been times I’ve wanted extra subs. The top teams will always have top players.”

Former Leicester man Maguire was booed by England fans during the recent friendlies. Several international team-mates have come to his defence, alongside Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate.

Rodgers joins the growing list of people supporting Maguire. “My question would be what help does it do? By nature of the word supporter, you are there to support,” Rodgers said.

“I was disappointed for him. He’s a brilliant guy. He has the tools to overcome it. You need resilience.

“He has the focus on him at a big club. He’s a resilient guy. Internationally, Harry has been a great player for England over these past three or four seasons. Maybe it’s just the modern world, patience is short now.”

READ MORE: Rodgers hopes Leicester chase for star convinces Man Utd, Arsenal target to stay – Exclusive