Arsenal handed massive boost ahead of their clash with Leicester City as Arsenal nemesis Jamie Vardy facing another spell on the sidelines after suffering a fresh injury blow.
Jamie Vardy has scored more Premier League goals against Arsenal than he has versus any other side in the competition (11). In fact, only Wayne Rooney (12) has netted more against the Gunners in the competition than Vardy. (Getty Images)
The 35-year-old has scored 10 goals in the Premier League this season and only recently returned from a hamstring problem which kept him out for two months but will miss Leicester City’s Premier League clash with Arsenal on Sunday due to a knee injury he suffered in Leicester’s 1-0 win over Leeds United last Saturday.
Ahead of Leicester’s Europa League last-16 first leg against Rennes, Rodgers said: “He (vardy) unfortunately got injured in the last game so he’s going to be out for a few weeks, which is a shame.
“He got a knock to his knee, but hopefully in the next three to four weeks, it responds OK. He just felt soreness the day after the game.”
Vardy made his return from injury in the 2-0 win over Burnley last Tuesday, scoring and assisting after coming on as a substitute but was withdrawn for Kelechi Iheanacho on 61 minutes against Leeds City, four days later.
The news come as a massive boost for both Arsenal players including their goalkeeper & fans as Jamie Vardy has proved to be thorn in Arsenal’s flesh.
Vardy’s personal tally of 11 league goals in 13 appearances mean that Arsenal are the club that the forward enjoys playing against more than anyone.(Getty)
Earlier this week, Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale admitted that Vardy is the player he hates facing the most, given the 35-year-old’s clinical nature.
‘The one I hate playing against most is Jamie Vardy. He said.
Aaron Ramsdale has faced players like Harry Kane, Ronaldo, Salah but insisted Leicester’s Jamie Vardy is his toughest opponent.
‘The guy just doesn’t stop running. I’d love to have him on my team, hate playing against him.’
‘I’ve played againI’d love to have him on my team, hate playing against him.
Ramsdale insisted Vardy’s tireless running and energy make him a nightmare to face. (Getty)
‘I’ve played against him five times now, he’s scored four times.’
Also, Arsenal expect sensational youngster Emile Smith Rowe to be backed in action against Leicester.
Smith Rowe missed the clash with Wolves on February 24 through illness and was expected to return against the Hornets.
However, the club revealed before the game that he had tested positive for Covid-19.
Emile Smith Rowe has scored a total of nine goals in Premier League this season, more than any Arsenal’s player.
The Hale End academy graduate has been in sublime form and Arsenal are hoping that he’s fit enough to return against Leicester.
Having clinched a 2-0 victory at the King Power Stadium earlier this season, Arsenal will hope to do the double over the Foxes.
The Gunners are currently fourth in the Premier League standings, one point above Manchester United and three above local rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who have played three and one more league matches, respectively.