Leicester City boss provides big Jordan James injury update | OneFootball

Gary Rowett has provided an important injury update ahead of the clash with Preston on Friday

Leicester City are mired in a relegation battle in the Championship just 12 months on from their 18th place finish in the Premier League.

The Foxes are in danger of falling to League One after just a year from their last top flight campaign, with the team currently inside the bottom three.

Gary Rowett took charge of the side in February, but a six-point penalty deduction has put them in danger of falling out of the Championship.

Leicester are one point from safety and have just seven games remaining to salvage their place in the division for another year.

The 52-year-old will be hoping for all hands on deck from his squad, as they battle Oxford United, Portsmouth and Blackburn Rovers for the final two relegation spaces.

Sheffield Wednesday in 24th have already officially been relegated to League One, but two more will have to follow suit in the final weeks of the season, with the final game taking place on 2 May.

Leicester City receive Jordan James injury boost

Jordan James was taken off after 55 minutes in Wales’ World Cup qualifying play-off semi-final against Bosnia during the current international break, with the player limping off the pitch due to an issue.

This led to fears that he could be absent for Leicester’s upcoming fixtures in the final weeks of the Championship season.

However, Rowett has provided a positive injury update on the Wales international, who has not suffered as serious an injury as was first believed.

The Leicester boss has hinted that James could be fit to face Preston North End when the league resumes during Easter weekend, with the player in particular pushing to be fit.

“He’s come back for treatment,” said Rowett, via Leicestershire Live.

“He landed awkwardly.

“It’s not as sinister or serious as it first seemed.

“He hasn’t trained today but neither have a lot of the international lads.

“He’s one that we’ll have a discussion on.

“If you speak to JJ, he’s adamant he’ll be fit.

“We’ll have that conversation, and at least it will be a positive conversation.”

James joined Leicester on loan from French side Rennes at the end of the summer transfer window, and he has been a regular presence in the team this season.

The 21-year-old has made 29 appearances in the league, contributing 10 goals and four assists, so his availability could be crucial to the club’s survival.

The Foxes are currently 22nd in the table, one point behind Portsmouth, with the team winning just one of their last 13 league fixtures.

Leicester have won just twice in 2026, which has seen them fall down the table, but a six-point deduction penalty received in February is ultimately making a bigger difference.

Rowett’s side will return to action on 3 April with a home clash against the Lilywhites in a 3pm kick-off.

Jordan James’ fitness will be important for Leicester’s run-in

James has been a pretty important player for Leicester this season, so his possible absence would’ve been a real blow for the club.

So this comes as positive news, and supporters will be hoping that he’s not rushing back from a more serious issue in order to contribute, as aggravating an Achilles injury could have a big long-term impact.

Nobody has scored more for the Foxes this season, and he will need to find the back of the net a few more times if the team are to survive.

At this rate, Leicester will surely be keen to trigger the buy option in their loan deal for James, especially if he performs in the next few weeks and keeps the Foxes in the Championship.