Several Players Missing For Chelsea Encounter, Kirk Reveals

- LCFC Women to face Chelsea in the Barclays Women’s Super League
- King Power Stadium is the venue for Saturday’s 3pm kick-off
- Willie Kirk addressed the media in Thursday’s pre-match presser
- He revealed a series of injury doubts within the Foxes squad

The Blues will arrive on Filbert Way this Saturday (3pm kick-off) looking to maintain a position at the top of the Barclays Women’s Super League table, while the Foxes are targeting their first points of the season.

Following the last-gasp defeat to West Ham United two weeks ago, City were dealt further injury blows, which, as he discussed with the media in Thursday’s pre-match press conference at Belvoir Drive, leaves Kirk with fewer options to choose from.

“A number of players [are injured],” City’s manager explained. “We are really struggling in terms of personnel. From West Ham, we’ve got at least three new injuries, possibly four.

“One of them is out until the turn of the year. That will probably be four or five weeks. And then another couple should be back sooner rather than later. They’ll certainly miss this weekend and then we’ll have them back for Sunderland and Liverpool next week.”

But Kirk is looking on the positive side and how those absences will provide opportunities for some of the younger players in the squad to step up when tackling the champions this weekend.

The Scotsman added: “I’ve always been a great believer that the absence of a number of players and unavailability creates opportunities for others. It’s up to those players to take those opportunities and make it really tough for others to come back into the team.

“I’m sure these young players will grasp that opportunity. But it’s not their only opportunity. Everybody gets an opportunity in training and is still trying to take opportunities every day.

“The focus has got to be on the players who are available and I think you’ll see a young and an energetic Leicester City this weekend and hopefully one who can pick up those first points.

“I just expect them to be honest - give your best, do your job and then start trying to help your team-mates do your job. That’s all we ask of every player.”

All times BST.