Ricardo Set For Lengthy Spell On The Sidelines, Says Rodgers

- Brendan Rodgers spoke to the national media on Thursday afternoon
- Leicester City face Watford in the Premier League on Saturday (12:30pm kick-off)
- Full-back Ricardo Pereira has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury, Rodgers confirmed
- James Maddison (calf) is also expected to be out for Saturday’s visit to Watford

The Portugal international, who has made 33 appearances for the Foxes this season in all competitions, sustained the injury during Monday’s 4-0 victory over Aston Villa at King Power Stadium.

Speaking on Thursday, ahead of Saturday’s visit to Watford (12:30pm kick-off), Rodgers revealed that the Club’s medical staff will work closely with Ricardo, 26, concerning his recovery.

Midfielder James Maddison (calf) is also out of the fixture against Nigel Pearson’s Hornets at Vicarage Road, but Ben Chilwell is close to returning from a slight hamstring injury.

“Ricardo, unfortunately, hurt his ACL and that means he will be out for the rest of the season, which is a huge blow for us because he’s a fantastic player for us,” said Rodgers. 

“I think it’s the first injury he’s had since I’ve come in. The tackle he had with Jack Grealish was just a coming together and he actually carried on in the game, so it was a surprise when we were told. 

“It’s a real shame for him because he’s one of the top right-backs at this level. He’s with the medical team at the moment. He’s a brilliant player who’s been great for us all season, very consistent in training and games. It’s a blow for us, but it’s an opportunity for someone else.

“Hopefully we’ll get him back around pre-season. You’ve just got to see how the player reacts. 

“The earliest on an injury like that is four months, latest would be six months. That’s the kind of timescale which is anticipated.”

On Maddison’s condition, meanwhile, Rodgers says the 23-year-old is likely to be out until after the upcoming international break, which will fall after the Emirates FA Cup Quarter-Final tie against Chelsea at King Power Stadium on Saturday 21 March (12:30pm kick-off). 

“Maddison will be out for a few weeks, probably until after the international break,” he added. “It’s his calf, a tightness in his calf.

“It’s not too serious, but probably he’s got the next week and then the international break, and then he’ll be fit after that.” 

On Chilwell, 23, Rodgers continued: “Ben’s back in, he’s trained, and he looked very good today, so he will be available (to play at Watford).”

All times GMT.