Whilst Leicester’s Champions League hopes took a huge blow with their defeat to Newcastle United on Friday night, they were handed another damaging hit with an injury to a key player.

Having originally been in the line-up to face the Magpies at the King Power Stadium, Jonny Evans was withdrawn and was then spotted in the stands with crutches.

Whilst Brendan Rodgers has suggested that his medical staff will have to “see” regarding his availability going forwards, any potential absence would be a huge blow for the Foxes.

Since arriving from West Bromwich Albion three years ago, Evans has become a key figure at the King Power Stadium, and that has certainly been exemplified throughout the 2020/21 campaign.

He has made 28 appearances in the Premier League this term, helping the Foxes to record ten clean sheets as they chase down a position in the top four.

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His underlying statistics are also eye-catching. According to WhoScored, he has contributed 0.9 tackles, 1.6 interceptions and 3.3 aerials per match in the Premier League this season. Meanwhile, his 3.5 clearances per game in the league is only bettered by fellow centre-back Wesley Fofana.

Rodgers has always made clear his admiration for his fellow Northern Ireland native, labelling the 33-year-old as “top-class”.

His absence was certainly highlighted in Friday’s defeat to Newcastle. The Foxes produced an absolutely horrendous defensive showing, with a back three of Fofana, Caglar Soyuncu and Timothy Castagne struggling to keep the Magpies quiet.

Indeed, it was the first time that Leicester had conceded four goals in a Premier League game since a defeat to Bournemouth last season.

With Evans having been injured before Friday’s clash, Rodgers will certainly hope his absence is not too long, especially with the Foxes aiming to seal a place in the top four as well as having an FA Cup final on the horizon.

AND in more news, take a closer look at Caglar Soyuncu's woeful display against Newcastle...