Report: Ruud van Nistelrooy warned of Aston Villa targeting Leicester star
Ruud van Nistelrooy cautioned about potential targeting of a Leicester City star by opponents this weekend.
Leicester City face a crucial challenge as they travel to the West Midlands to take on Aston Villa, desperately needing three points to improve their situation.
The Foxes have suffered four consecutive defeats and now sit 19th in the Premier League, two points below the safety zone, following Ipswich Town’s midweek victory over Chelsea.
Despite their recent 3-1 loss to Manchester City, several Leicester players showed promise.
However, the entire squad must deliver a top performance if they hope to secure a vital win at Villa Park.
Defensive Concerns Surround Victor Kristiansen
Leicester’s defensive struggles have been a major issue this season. With 42 goals conceded, only Wolves match their record as the league’s worst defense.
Victor Kristiansen, a 21-year-old regular in Leicester’s backline with 17 appearances this season, has faced challenges despite flashes of quality.
His standout performance against Liverpool showcased his potential, but recurring lapses have raised concerns.
Former Leicester player Matt Piper expressed his worries about Kristiansen ahead of the Villa clash. Speaking on Radio Leicester’s When You’re Smiling podcast, Piper said: “I do like Victor Kristiansen.
He is energetic, has passion and endeavor, and gets up and down the pitch, but he lacks quality in certain situations, especially against top wingers.”
Piper believes the Danish international could be a target for Villa’s attackers.
Leicester City Injury Updates
Leicester’s injury list remains a concern, but there is a glimmer of hope as one player edges closer to returning.
Wout Faes, who has yet to start under the current management and missed the last two games due to injury, could be fit enough to feature at Villa Park.
However, Ricardo Pereira and Abdul Fatawu remain sidelined long-term, while Wilfred Ndidi, Mads Hermansen, and Kasey McAteer are doubtful for the weekend.
Jordan Ayew, who was absent in the previous game due to suspension, is available for selection again.
In a bit of relief for the Foxes, the threat of suspension for players with four yellow cards has been eliminated.
With the Manchester City match marking the halfway point of the season, players like Ndidi, Jannik Vestergaard, Jamie Vardy, and Oliver Skipp can play without the immediate risk of a one-match ban.
Leicester face a tough test at Villa Park, but a disciplined defense and clinical finishing could provide the lifeline they desperately need to climb out of the relegation zone.
