'Incredible' Justin Out With ACL Injury, Rodgers Confirms
- Brendan Rodgers discusses Leicester City’s injury concerns ahead of Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Liverpool at King Power Stadium (12:30pm kick-off)
- James Justin suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in Wednesday’s Emirates FA Cup victory over Brighton & Hove Albion
- The England Under-21s international is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines as he begins work with the Club’s medical staff towards his recovery
Justin, who has made 31 appearances in all competitions this term for the Foxes, picked up the injury in Wednesday’s Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round victory over Brighton & Hove Albion.
Throughout the 2020/21 season, the former Luton Town defender has played more games than anybody else in City’s first team squad, earning many plaudits along the way.
Speaking on Friday at LCFC Training Ground, ahead of Leicester’s Premier League encounter with Liverpool at King Power Stadium on Saturday (12:30pm kick-off), Rodgers revealed that the Club’s medical staff will work closely with Justin, 22, concerning his recovery.
"Sadly, for JJ, the scan hasn’t shown up so well, which is a massive blow for us," Rodgers told the media. "He looks like he’s done his ACL, which is a devastating blow for us because he’s been incredible since he came into the team last year.
"He’s played in many positions. Wherever I’ve asked him to play, whatever position, he’s been a minimum eight out of 10 and developing as a top Premier League player.
"He was obviously walking around after the game and we hoped he would be okay, but of course, you have to wait until he gets the scan. He’s in London today (Friday) with our doctor, just trying to get all the expertise in terms of the next step.
"It’s a huge disappointment, but I know the boy. He’s tough mentally, that's what makes him the player he is, and tough physically and he’ll be a better player for it."
Ricardo Pereira, meanwhile, has recently recovered from an ACL issue of his own and Rodgers hopes Justin can take heart from the Portugal international's impressive return to action for the Foxes.
"We’ve had it first-hand with Ricardo Pereira," the Northern Irishman added. "Ricky was out for a period of time and he’s come back now fitter and stronger and getting his game time up, so that will be a source of inspiration for him as he goes through his recovery.
"He was upset yesterday, naturally, because he’s been so robust for me. He’s just been absolutely incredible. He’s been the one player who’s played virtually every game since he's come in in a variety of positions and performed to a very, very high level.
"His confidence has been growing all the time as a Premier League player and I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t have been too far away from (England manager) Gareth [Southgate’s] thoughts.
"Whenever you’re trying to piece together a squad, a player who can play to JJ’s level, and the number of positions, that would be important for any squad going forward.
"He’ll just get away now. He’ll more than likely have the operation very soon and then get back on his recovery and then now we’re all fighting for him between now and the end of the season."
When asked about whether there has been a time frame attributed to his recovery, Rodgers said: "No, nothing at the moment. Every player is different in how they recover.
"I don't want to put any time on that. These are injuries, if you look at Ricardo's timeframe, it's probably going to be shorter or around that same time.
"As I said, we're getting full consultation with the specialists on it. We're taking every opinion that we possibly can on it, and then we'll take it from there."
All times GMT.