The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ruud van Nistelrooy

  • Nistelrooy confirms Ndidi’s return to fitness

    Nistelrooy confirms Ndidi’s return to fitness

    Coach Ruud Van Nistelrooy has revealed that Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is among Leicester City’s  players he is counting on for tonight’s FA Cup clash against Manchester United.

    Wilfred Ndidi has been sidelined since suffering an injury during Leicester’s 2-2 draw with Brighton in the Premier League on December 8th  last year, where he was substituted out in the 52nd minute for Oliver Skipp. Following a successful return to training, Ndidi is now fit and available for selection, marking a welcome comeback for the Foxes.

    Leicester City’s form has suffered significantly in Wilfred Ndidi’s absence, with the team losing eight of their last 10 matches. However, they secured a convincing 6-2 victory over QPR in the third round of the FA Cup, setting up a thrilling tie against Manchester United in the next round.

    When questioned on Wilfred Ndidi’s availability, Van Nistelrooy gave a positive response, indicating his readiness for the fixture: “Wilf (Ndidi) is fine, he had a good week of training, last week and this week and he’ll be part of the squad tomorrow,” he said

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    Ndidi’s return to fitness is a timely boost for Nistelrooy, who will be eager to lead Leicester City to victory over his former club Manchester United.

    The match also holds personal significance for Nistelrooy, who was overlooked for a role in Manchester United’s backroom staff when Ruben Amorim was appointed as the head coach.

    Ndidi’s return is also a welcome lift for Leicester City’s Premier League survival hopes, as they aim to stave off relegation just a year after earning promotion back to the top flight from the Championship.

  • Foxes’ boss Nistelrooy sweat over injured Ndidi

    Foxes’ boss Nistelrooy sweat over injured Ndidi

    Ruud van Nistelrooy is sweating over Wilfred Ndidi’s hamstring injury with Leicester City running short on midfielders ahead of the trip to Newcastle.

    After a strong first half against Brighton, Ndidi came off injured early in the second period following a collision with Joao Pedro. City will hope the injury isn’t serious as the Nigerian was again very effective at the base of midfield, protecting the defence and building attacks.

    Speaking in his post-match press conference, boss van Nistelrooy said: “Wilf, when he comes off you know there’s a problem. I hope it’s minor. He felt a slight strain in the hamstring. Hopefully it’s not too much. We’ll see how quick we can get him back.”

    A serious problem would leave City light on midfield options, especially for Saturday’s clash at Newcastle. Ndidi’s midfield partner Boubakary Soumare picked up his fifth yellow card of the season, and so will be suspended for the game at St James’ Park, while Harry Winks has still not re-joined full training after his groin injury.

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    Oliver Skipp came on for Ndidi against Brighton and offers different characteristics. The £20m summer signing can be more dynamic and he possesses more pace, but has not yet performed consistently in a City shirt. The 24-year-old midfielder has a lot of potential and will want to prove himself to be more than just the useful squad player he was at Tottenham.

    Van Nistelrooy has been playing Ndidi back in his preferred position as number six, after Enzo Maresca and Steve Cooper deployed him in a more attacking role. City’s defence has shown weaknesses this season and van Nistelrooy has spoken of the importance of the deep midfield duo in protecting the back-line.

    The availability issue in midfield could also see Hamza Choudhury brought in. The homegrown midfielder has played just 14 minutes in the Premier League this season, last featuring in September, with a dislocated shoulder ruling him out for most of October

  • Van Nistelrooy promises  to lift Ndidi’s Leicester spirits

    Van Nistelrooy promises  to lift Ndidi’s Leicester spirits

    Newly-appointed manager Ruud van Nistelrooy is aiming to bring a sense of positivity to Leicester City and quickly make an impression on the Premier League club’s players, as he looks to ensure that they remain in the English top flight.

    The former Manchester United striker was appointed on Friday to replace Steve Cooper and will need to hit the ground running, with the 16th -placed club hovering just point above the relegation zone after three straight league defeats.

    Asked if the players needed to be picked up, Van Nistelrooy told reporters: “That is what needed to be done. Sunday was the first time that I was here. Was it yesterday? It feels longer.

    “I had a meeting with the players and it was the first thing to address,” added the Dutchman, speaking ahead of a home match against West Ham United today.

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    “The situation we’re in, the challenge that we face, and what’s necessary to get out of that situation.

    “In two days it’s difficult to make a lot of changes, but we have started to make changes in the style of play, training sessions, structure, little by little starting to build a foundation of a highly motivated team who can compete in this league.”

    Leicester have a tough run of fixtures coming up in December including matches against Brighton & Hove Albion, Newcastle United, Liverpool and Manchester City.

    Leicester enjoyed a stunning Premier League title success in 2016 but were relegated in 2023 before coming straight back up under Enzo Maresca, who then left to join Chelsea.

    Van Nistelrooy said Maresca, who he played with at Malaga, played a key role in him taking the Leicester job.

    “You’re curious about the people who work there and Enzo, being a great friend and former teammate, he was the first one to call,” he added.