WSL: Leicester City face injury crisis ahead of must win Everton clash | OneFootball

Leicester City have confirmed a mid to long term injury to star player Jutta Rantala. This huge blow adds to an already lengthy list of attacking players out for the Foxes.

The Finland international was seen on crutches after the 0-0 draw away at Aston Villa, with manager Amandine Miquel confirming Rantala will definitely miss their next match against Everton as a minimum. Rantala, who finished as Leicester’s top scorer last season with six goals and five assists, will be a big miss. The length of her absence will be assessed over the international break.

Ongoing injury woes for Leicester

Leicester have struggled for goals this season, having already been without striker Lena Petermann. The Germany international remains sidelined with a knee injury she picked up on the tour of Australia in pre-season, and she is yet to feature in a Women’s Super League match-day squad.

New signing Noemie Mouchon has also taken a knock. After missing the last outing to Villa Park, she will unlikely be available for the visit of Everton. The match already looks like a must win for Leicester but with them struggling to convert chances into goals, this latest injury news has come at a hugely unfortunate time.

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Further long-term injuries to Shannon O’Brien and Hannah Cain also keep them out of contention for the Everton clash. Cain is recovering from her second ACL injury and although manager Miquel declared she was nearing contention, she will not be match fit to face the Toffees. O’Brien, having had an operation on her troublesome knee over the summer, is not expected back until November.

Academy graduate Denny Draper was also recently withdrawn from the England U17s World Cup squad due to injury.

Adapting without key players

Against Aston Villa, Miquel had little choice but to put Ruby Mace up front to lead the attacking line. This left the defence more at risk without her combative play in front of the backline. Miquel now has limited options in attack and has to rely on Missy Goodwin, Deanne Rose, 18-year-old new signing Shana Chossenotte, and Japanese international Yuka Momiki. The team will be hoping the latter can create chances as she did last season to finish with the most assists for the team.

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Leicester City will be hoping to build on their result against Aston Villa last time out. The Foxes earned their first clean sheet of the season and a crucial point on the board ahead of what could be a tricky few months with limited attacking options.

The club could look to secure some loan signings in January if injuries are prolonged. But for now, focus is on not letting too many negative results stack against them.

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