news-engine

Leicester City start the 2026/27 season this Saturday as they welcome Northampton Town to the King Power Stadium in the first round of the Carabao Cup. Russell Martin's men have enjoyed a successful pre-season over the past five weeks, beating the likes of Burton Albion, Bristol Rovers and Cadiz. A 3-3 draw against La Liga side Malaga was followed by two 1-0 defeats to Coventry City and Genoa last week. The Northampton game is the final competitive fixture before the League One campaign gets underway at Notts County on Saturday August 15. Several players will be hoping to get their name on the teamsheet for that game with a fine performance this weekend. However, there are some injury concerns around some players. We take you through the latest injury updates as it stands.. FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK! All the latest Leicester City news on LeicestershireLive’s Leicester City Facebook page! Get LeicestershireLIVE Premium now for just £1 HERE. You can also join our WhatsApp Community by clicking HERE Ben Nelson Potential return date: Unknown The biggest concern at City at the moment is Ben Nelson. The defender has looked superb throughout pre-season and was in fine form once again against Genoa. However, late in the first half, he went down holding his right knee after a tangle of legs. Nelson received treatment and appeared to be in some pain before being helped down the tunnel by two members of staff. Martin confirmed post-match that he is hoping the issue isn't anything long-term. "Hopefully it's nothing serious and we'll assess that in the next couple of days," he said. "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 City boss will be quizzed on Nelson's injury in his pre-match press conference on Friday. Will Alves Potential return date: Northampton (August 8) After impressing in pre-season, Will Alves' fitness raised concerns among fans when he missed both friendlies at the weekend. The attacking midfielder also trained separately from his teammates during the open training session. Fortunately, Alves' issue isn't a serious one and he will be in the team against Northampton. "Will definitely will be [in the squad for Northampton]," Martin said. Conor Chaplin Potential return date: Northampton (August 8) or Notts County (August 15) Summer signing Chaplin missed last week's double-header and open training session due to a knock, LeicestershireLive understands. The 29-year-old was in attendance to take pictures with supporters after the session and was also at the King Power Stadium to watch the Genoa defeat. The issue isn't thought to be anything serious, but Martin has provided caution with his return. "We're hopeful that both of them [Chaplin and McCarthy] will be involved next week," the Leicester boss said. "If not, then Notts County." He added: "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." Alex McCarthy Potential return date: Northampton (August 8) or Notts County (August 15) McCarthy's case is very similar to Chaplin and after missing the last week, the goalkeeper will be hoping to be involved this weekend.