Leicester City return confirmed in major boost for next season’s plans.

Ben Nelson has rejoined Oxford United on loan for the rest of the season, providing a boost to Leicester City’s plans for next term.

The 20-year-old centre-back spent the past four months recovering at Leicester after undergoing surgery for a serious thigh injury sustained in November.

The plan was always for him to return to Oxford once fit, and the League One side has now confirmed his comeback to training.

Nelson isn’t expected to feature until after the March international break, at which point eight games will remain for him to make an impact and help secure Oxford’s place in the division.

“Ben Nelson is back in group training for the first time,” said manager Gary Rowett.

“It will take him a little time to reach the level required to start games, so we’re probably looking at the international break.

There’s a small chance he could play before then, but we need to make the right decisions for a young player with great potential.”

Oxford enjoyed a nine-game unbeaten run after Rowett’s appointment, propelling them up the table. However, they are now winless in seven and sit 18th, seven points above the relegation zone.

Nelson initially took time to settle after securing his loan move last summer but had become a key player, starting eight consecutive matches before his injury.

Then Leicester manager Steve Cooper was in attendance when Nelson tore his thigh muscle, as he was considering a potential January recall for the defender.

Leicester will now hope Nelson plays several matches before the season ends, preparing him for a role at the King Power Stadium next term.

Regardless of whether Leicester remains in the Premier League or drops to the Championship, Nelson is expected to be part of the first-team squad.

If relegated, and with a possible squad overhaul, he could even emerge as a starter next season.