The Leicester City manager discussed the fitness of his squad after the pre-season defeat to Genoa
Russell Martin has provided an injury update on Ben Nelson and Will Alves following Leicester City’s pre-season defeat to Genoa on Saturday night.
Nelson was forced off during the first half after receiving treatment on his right knee. Alves, meanwhile, was absent from the squad at the King Power Stadium and also missed the behind-closed-doors friendly defeat to Coventry City earlier in the day at Seagrave.
Both players have been important figures for Martin throughout pre-season, despite Nelson continuing to be linked with a move away. Alves has returned from his loan spell at Huddersfield Town and impressed over the summer, scoring against Northampton Town and Burton Albion.
The 21-year-old has caught the eye on the right wing following Abdul Fatawu’s departure to Ipswich Town. On Friday, Alves trained individually during Leicester’s open training session at the King Power Stadium after picking up a minor knock.
However, Martin expects the winger to be available for next weekend’s Carabao Cup first-round tie against Northampton Town, while the club are awaiting the outcome of Nelson’s knee injury.
“Hopefully it’s nothing serious and we’ll assess that in the next couple of days,” Martin said post-match. “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.” On Alves, the City boss added: “He wasn’t playing today because he picked up a knock during the week, but he’s fine. He trained on the grass today.”
. Martin said he is hopeful both will return against Northampton, but is confident they will be fit for Leicester’s League One opener away at Notts County if they are not risked next weekend.
“We’re hopeful that both of them will be involved next week. If not, then Notts County,” he said.
“Will definitely will be. Conor and Alex are a little bit more up in the air. It depends how the week goes, but either way I can’t see either of them not being fit for Notts County.
“If it’s not this week, it means it’s not worth risking them yet. But Will definitely.”
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