James Justin's hopes of making England’s World Cup squad appeared to be in doubt on Tuesday night after he was carried off during Leicester’s win over Newport.
The full-back, who was named in Gareth Southgate’s 55-strong long list for the tournament in Qatar, had put his team ahead on the cusp of half-time before suffering an injury on the hour mark. Jamie Vardy then scored twice to seal Leicester’s spot in the Carabao Cup last 16.
Justin contested a bouncing ball with Newport left-back Adam Lewis and immediately signalled to the bench. Moments later the 24-year-old was taken off on a stretcher.
Justin had hoped his ability to play in either full-back position, as well as in a back three, might book him a spot in the final 26 named on Thursday, especially with Chelsea pair Reece James and Ben Chilwell injured and doubts about the fitness of Manchester City’s Kyle Walker.
But the sudden end to his night, and the manner of his departure from the field, brought back uncomfortable memories of Leicester’s FA Cup win over Brighton in February 2021. Justin damaged knee ligaments in that encounter and did not return to action for 11 months.
The injury to Justin cast a shadow over Leicester’s victory. Even though boss Brendan Rodgers left James Maddison out of his squad, he still picked a strong starting XI.
Ayoze Perez, Dennis Praet and Harvey Barnes all went close against Newport, who beat Leicester in an FA Cup tie nearly four years ago and are 18th in League Two.
The Exiles’ goalkeeper Nick Townsend was in excellent form but could not keep out the opener as Justin drifted inside and curled home with his left foot from 25 yards.
Lewis Collins nearly equalised for Newport before Vardy settled it by heading substitute Marc Albrighton’s cross beyond Townsend. Vardy made it three when he was released by Barnes, rounded Townsend and hammered home.
