Russell Martin confirms cruel injury blow for Leicester City man ahead of season opener

Leicester City centre-back Ben Nelson has ruptured his ACL and will miss the majority of the 2026/27 season, Russell Martin has confirmed.

Leicester City have spent this summer preparing for the 2026/27 campaign under the new management of Russell Martin. The boss has spent time assessing his squad, and having played regularly and captained the side, LCFC academy graduate Ben Nelson was primed for a key role.

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However, the 22-year-old defender has suffered a cruel blow right before the start of the campaign. Speaking to Leicestershire Live, Foxes boss Martin has confirmed Nelson has ruptured his ACL and faces most of the season out. He said: "Really disappointing with Ben. It's really sad for him and us. He'll be out for the majority of the season.

"I'm really disappointed because he's a huge asset to this football club, on and off the pitch. We will miss him for sure. It's probably the only negative that we've had in pre-season and it's a big one."

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What next for Leicester City and Ben Nelson as Martin confirms huge blow

Martin spoke highly of Nelson as a player and person in the wake of the blow and confirmed he will undergo surgery. There is hope that he can feature for Leicester City before the season's end, but it will be a long road back for the defender.

Nelson will soon turn his focus to recovery while LCFC prepare for their Carabao Cup clash against Northampton Town. He would have been expected to start, so Martin must assess who he feels is best equipped to come into the starting XI.

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Not only this, but the fact Nelson donned the armband through pre-season indicates that Martin might need to pick out a new skipper too. The centre-back back can help drive standards and set an example even while sidelined, but a vocal figure will have to step up on the pitch.

Nelson's injury comes at an awful time as well. He had drawn plenty of interest, and although there was a determination to keep him, this injury now completely rules out the prospect of him leaving.

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This would not be an issue if it were not for the fact his contract expires in 2027. City must look to strike a new contract agreement with Nelson while he recovers.

The Verdict: Leicester City must act to replace Ben Nelson

Many felt Leicester City needed another centre-back before Nelson's injury revelation. Now that it is confirmed he will be out for the majority of the 2026/27 season, a new addition in this area becomes a must.

The Foxes could choose to make a loan signing as more of a short-term fix, ensuring Nelson's route back to the team is not blocked upon his return. However, the limited bodies at the back mean a couple of signings – permanent or not – are needed.

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Jamaal Lascelles left at the end of his contract and Jannik Vestergaard's deal was terminated. Wout Faes remains under contract but is widely expected to move on, leaving just Harry Souttar and Caleb Okoli as natural senior centre-backs on the books.

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