James Justin injury: Leicester defender set for prolonged period on sidelines with ACL damage

Justin had been enjoying an impressive breakout season for the Foxes

James Justin reacts after injuring his knee (Getty Images)

Leicester City defender James Justin is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after a scan revealed damage to his anterior cruciate ligament.

Justin had been enjoying an impressive breakout season for the Foxes, cementing his place in the team with consistent performances at full-back and wing-back. He came off during Leicester’s FA Cup fifth-round victory over Brighton after injuring his knee, and Rodgers said the 22-year-old is unlikely to play again this season.

"The scan hasn't shown up so well. It looks like he has done his ACL which is a devastating blow for us because he has been incredible," Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers said ahead of their meeting with Liverpool on Saturday. "He was walking about after the game and we hoped he would be OK but you have to wait to get the scan.

"He was upset yesterday because he has been so robust for me. I'm pretty sure he wouldn't have been too far away from Gareth's (Southgate) thoughts. He is in London with our doctor and trying to get the expertise and the next step. He is tough mentally and he'll come back a better player for it.

"We have had it with Ricardo Pereira recently, he has come back fitter and stronger and getting his game time up. That will be a source of inspiration. Wherever I have asked him to play and whatever position he has been a minimum of 8/10 and has been developing as a top Premier League player."

The forward Ayoze Perez has recovered from a shin injury, full-back Timothy Castagne is set to return in the next two weeks, while central defender Wesley Fofana is still “a number of weeks” away from playing again.