'Jamie Still Looked Fresh' - Leicester Boss Explains Why Iheanacho Did Not Play Vs Chelsea

Published: June 28, 2020

Leicester City have crashed out of the FA Cup after losing 1-0 to Chelsea in a quarterfinal clash at the King Power Stadium on Sunday evening.

Off the bench at half-time as a replacement for Mason Mount, Ross Barkley netted what proved to be the game-winning goal at minute 63, volleying home a cross from Willian.

While Wilfred Ndidi went the distance for the Foxes, fellow Nigeria international Kelechi Iheanacho was surprisingly an unused substitute despite teams allowed to use up to five substitutes per match since the season restarted.

The FA Cup is Iheanacho's favourite competition since his move to England, with 10 goals spread across14 matches.

Brendan Rodgers selected Jamie Vardy, who was not involved in the Foxes last three games in the competition, to lead the line ahead of Iheanacho and the former England star went the full ninety.

Explaining why Iheanacho was not introduced off the bench, Rodgers told reporters at the post-match press conference : "Jamie still looked fresh. We thought he could still grab a goal. It was as simple as that."

Iheanacho has played 20 games in all competitions this term, of which 12 were starts.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : lcfc.com

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