Leicester City suffer Ben Nelson ACL blow as Russell Martin confirms he will miss most of season | OneFootball

Leicester City have suffered a blow with Ben Nelson rupturing his ACL, an injury that is set to keep him out for most of the 2026/27 season, according to LeicesterMercury.co.uk.

The defender was injured in the first half of last week’s pre-season defeat to Genoa and had to be helped off. The academy graduate had been ever-present under Russell Martin in pre-season and wore the armband throughout. Martin confirmed the diagnosis in his Friday pre-match press conference ahead of his first competitive game in charge against Northampton Town in the Carabao Cup first round.

He described the news as really disappointing for the player and the club and said surgery is scheduled for next week. The manager stressed the focus now is supporting Nelson through his recovery and ensuring he remains involved around the squad.

Martin said Nelson will have a role to play at some point, once the operation is done and plans are agreed. He praised the centre-back as an intelligent young man and a significant asset on and off the pitch.

Nelson is in the final year of his contract at the King Power Stadium and has been linked with a move. Borussia Monchengladbach and Torino have had bids turned down, and it is understood City were desperate to keep him.

Source: LeicesterMercury.co.uk

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