- Van Nistelrooy dismissed speculation of Ndidi’s departure, calling him "key" to Leicester’s plans for the season
- Leicester is currently 19th in the Premier League, with only one win in their last nine league games, as they battle relegation
- Leicester risks equaling their 2001 record of eight consecutive league losses if they fail to beat Spurs
Leicester City manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has firmly dismissed any speculation about Nigerian midfielder Wilfred Ndidi leaving the club during the January transfer window, despite reported interest from Ligue 1 side Monaco.
Speaking to the BBC, the Dutch tactician emphasised Ndidi's significance to the team and his role in their fight for Premier League survival.
Van Nistelrooy clarified that selling the 28-year-old midfielder was not an option,
"No, of course not. Wilfred is a key player and person in the squad and in the club, and I’m glad he is nearly there to help the team again. We know how much we’ve missed him, and we know we need him. Wilf is key in the coming months, a key part of this team that can get us out of this situation," he said when questioned about a possible transfer.
Ndidi, who renewed his contract last summer for three years with an option for an additional year, played a pivotal role in Leicester's promotion back to the Premier League. This season, the Nigerian has registered four assists in 15 league appearances but has been sidelined with a thigh injury since December 8, missing the club’s last four matches, all of which ended in defeats.
Van Nistelrooy provided an update on Ndidi's recovery, stating that the midfielder is making significant progress in rehabilitation,
“Wilf is making good progress in his rehabilitation. Hopefully, he can be a part of team training at some point next week," Van Nistelrooy told the club’s website.
Leicester City is in a dangerous position, currently sitting 19th in the Premier League with just one win in their last nine matches. Their recent 2-0 loss to Fulham left them two points adrift of safety. Van Nistelrooy, who took over from Steve Cooper in November, has struggled to stabilise the team, winning only two out of his 10 matches in charge.
The Foxes face a daunting task against Tottenham Hotspur this Sunday, January 26, with another defeat potentially equaling a club record of eight consecutive league losses set in 2001. However, Van Nistelrooy remains optimistic, banking on Ndidi’s return to inspire a turnaround from the team’s recent failures.
Wilfred Ndidi makes two assists, overtakes Jay Jay Okocha in PL record
Previously, TheRadar reported that In a thrilling match at Selhurst Park, Wilfred Ndidi of Leicester City delivered a superb performance, notching two assists that saw him surpass Nigerian legend Jay-Jay Okocha’s Premier League assist record.
Despite Ndidi's heroics, Leicester was held to a 2-2 draw by Crystal Palace on Saturday, September 14, courtesy of Jean-Philippe Mateta’s stoppage-time penalty.
