Jeremy Monga returns to Leicester’s squad after injury while Gary Rowett provides an update on Harry Souttar’s fitness during the Foxes’ relegation battle
Leicester City manager Gary Rowett says the club must carefully manage the fitness of Jeremy Monga after the teenage forward returned to the matchday squad in Tuesday’s 2-0 victory over Bristol City.
The 16-year-old had missed the weekend’s EFL Championship clash with QPR and has been absent for six of Leicester’s last seven league matches due to a minor injury concern.
Although Monga was named among the substitutes against Bristol City, he remained on the bench as Rowett opted not to risk aggravating the problem.
Speaking before the win, the Leicester boss explained that he wanted to be careful with the youngster.
“Jeremy [Monga] has a little injury. We’ll have to make sure we look after him,” Rowett said.
It has been a breakthrough campaign for the academy graduate despite his recent absence. Monga has already made 22 Championship appearances this season, contributing one goal and two assists in approximately 802 minutes of action.
His standout moment came earlier in the season when he scored against Preston North End, becoming the youngest goalscorer in Championship history and underlining his status as one of the club’s most promising young talents.
Suggested Articles
Leicester’s fight for survival means every selection decision carries added weight. The Foxes currently sit 21st in the table, level on points with Oxford United in the final relegation spot and just one point above bottom side West Brom.
Souttar nearing return after injury
Rowett also provided an update on defender Harry Souttar, who has been working his way back after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
The Australian centre-back has returned to training alongside teammate Aaron Ramsey, but Rowett stressed the importance of not rushing players back too quickly.
“I think Rammo and Harry Souttar, with those players, they’ve been out for a while and we have to be careful,” he said.
“Of course, I want to get everybody back in. You saw the bench, it looks a lot stronger. It gives me a lot better options.”
However, the Leicester manager reiterated that patience remains key as the club attempts to reintegrate injured players safely.
“They’re terrific players and if we can get them back, fantastic. But I think the important thing is that when they eventually come back, they get a chance to stay back. So we might have to be careful.”
Jeremy Monga stats this season
- Appearances: 22
- Minutes: 802
- Goals: 1
- Assists: 2
- Record: Youngest scorer in Championship history (vs Preston)
