Why 'important' Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has been a big miss

Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca has expressed his eagerness to have Wilfred Ndidi back from injury as the midfielder nears a return to action.

Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that the Nigeria international has been sidelined since the Foxes' victory over Cardiff City at the end of 2023 due to a knee problem.

Ndidi was initially expected to miss around three months, keeping him out until April, but could now be back earlier than anticipated.

"Wilf is still out and that is all. He has already started to do some sessions with us, but part of the session, not all," Maresca told the club website.

"Hopefully, next week he can complete the session with us, which means he starts to be available. We can have Wilf back because, as you know, he is an important player for us."

The Italian coach underlined just how much Leicester have missed the influential 27-year-old during his lengthy lay-off.

"That's why I said if he can be back earlier than three months, it is much better for us. He is an important player," Maresca added.

"Now we are trying to find solutions to adapt players but hopefully we can have him back very soon."

Ndidi's return would be a major boost for Leicester as they look to seal an automatic return to the Premier League following relegation last season. 

The tough-tackling midfielder, who had contributed to seven goals before his layoff, was also a big miss for Nigeria as they reached the Africa Cup of Nations final without him in January.

But his imminent comeback is a timely one for club and country as the season enters its decisive final couple of months.