Ruud van Nistelrooy Leaves Door Open for Harry Winks as Gary Neville Comments on ‘Major Issue’
Leicester City Midfielder Left Out of Squad Amid Alleged Dispute Over Lengthy Commute to Training
Harry Winks could still return to the Leicester City squad, but Ruud van Nistelrooy remains tight-lipped about the alleged conflict between them.
The midfielder has been absent from the last two matchday squads, with reports suggesting van Nistelrooy excluded him due to concerns over Winks’ lengthy commute to training and his refusal to stay overnight at the training ground once a week.
Shortly after these claims surfaced, Winks shared a photo of his newborn on social media, hinting that his desire to stay home near London was related to family reasons.
Van Nistelrooy has faced repeated questions regarding the situation but has declined to comment in depth.
Speaking on Thursday, he said: “The club is in a moment now where it shouldn’t be about individuals.
The conversations with individuals are inside (the club). It’s important to keep it like that.”
However, the manager did confirm that Winks continues to train as usual.
When asked if the situation might change, he responded: “It can always change, of course.”
Former England defender Gary Neville also weighed in, expressing strong views about players commuting long distances.
On the Stick to Football podcast, Neville said he has a “massive problem” with players not relocating closer to their clubs.
“If you don’t commit to a football club that are paying you good money by moving your family up or moving yourself up… the least you can do is be professional,” Neville said.
“If you’re travelling in a car for an hour-and-a-half, it’s not good for your legs, it’s not good for your back, it’s not good for anything.
Travelling is guaranteed to bring you injury.”
Despite these concerns, Winks has only suffered one injury during his two years at Leicester.
He sustained a groin strain just ten minutes into Steve Cooper’s final game in charge, which caused him to miss four subsequent matches.
While the reasons for Winks’ absence remain unconfirmed by the club, it appears that the door is not entirely closed on a potential return to the squad.
