Leicester City youngsters could make their debuts in FA Cup clash against Brighton

Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that some of his under-23 talents will feature in Wednesday’s FA Cup clash against Brighton and Hove Albion at the King Power.

In a bid to earn a place in the quarter-finals of the competition, Rodgers will put his faith in some of his younger players as Brighton have been hit with an injury crisis ahead of the tie.

Rodgers told Leicestershire Live:

“I’m going to take the opportunity to look at one or two of our talented young players that have been working with us. We have a group of young players who have been training with us. And like what I’ve always tried to do, when I feel it’s the right moment for them to go in, I’ll give them the opportunity. With young players, you never know until you put them.”

England Under-19 international right-back Vontae Daley-Campbell, who has been named on the bench for the past two league matches could start in place of Ricardo Pereira, while South African midfielder Khanya Leshabela is also expected to get some minutes under his belt.

Striker Jamie Vardy will feature after missing a couple of weeks due to injury, and the manager confirmed he’ll get some minutes whether it’s at the start or the end of the game.

?"He will get some minutes on Wednesday"

Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers on Jamie Vardy's return to fitness pic.twitter.com/v4ym8jfP3N

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) February 8, 2021

Left-back Timothy Castagne will miss another 7-10 days after picking up a hamstring knock, but is currently working with the medical team to regain full fitness and return to action.

Local lad Luke Thomas was given his breakthrough around the same time last season, so the youngsters featuring tomorrow night will be dreaming their fortunes are similar.

Graham Potter will be without five of his key players for the matchup – including Adam Webster, Solly March, Tariq Lamptey, Alireza Jahanbakhsh and Davy Propper.

Brighton have enjoyed an impressive start to 2021, losing just one game against current league leaders Manchester City. Wins against Leeds United, Tottenham and Liverpool have proven you can’t rule the Seagulls out.

Potter heaped praise on his opponents and Rodgers in his pre-match presser, as reported by Leicestershire Live.

“They are having a fantastic season, third in the Premier League and through in the Europa League as well. Brendan Rodgers is a top, top coach, they have very good players and have recruited very well. Their togetherness means that even when they might not have their first 11 out they are still a top team.”

The visitors are likely to stick with cup ‘keeper Christian Walton between the sticks who started in the 2-1 fourth round win over Blackpool, despite Jason Steele’s return to full fitness.

If all the Premier League teams win their fifth round ties, we could see an all-top flight lineup for the quarter-finals and beyond – an exciting prospect for the competition.