Russell Martin defends Leicester decision to start four full-backs after Ipswich defeat | OneFootball

Russell Martin praised Leicester City’s improvised defence after fielding four full-backs in the Carabao Cup at Ipswich, with Luke Thomas and Bade Aluko at centre-back.

According to LeicesterMercury.co.uk, Caleb Okoli missed out with injury and Harry Souttar was benched after three straight games, while Wout Faes was not considered amid transfer interest. Ben Nelson is sidelined with an ACL problem, so debutant Christian McFarlane started at left-back and Woyo Coulibaly made his first appearance.

City were notably tighter than against Burton in the league. Aluko struck his first goal for the club early in the second half, before Marcelino Nunez levelled on 71 minutes and later added the winner for Ipswich.

Martin said Souttar has only been back from the World Cup for four weeks, has played a lot and is still returning from a long-term injury, so using him would have compromised Saturday. He added they hope Okoli will be fit for Saturday and that Thomas and Aluko executed a rehearsed plan.

The head coach hailed Thomas and debutant McFarlane, praised Aluko’s bravery and also highlighted Jakub in goal. He suggested the makeshift pair could fill in again, while stressing League One is a different test.

Aluko was withdrawn late on after Nunez’s 71st-minute goal, which Martin described as precautionary, and he hopes the defender will be available for MK Dons away on Saturday.

Source: LeicesterMercury.co.uk

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