Champions League distraction and misfortune with injuries
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Come next season, Leicester will have their fixture list choc-a-block. Out goes the midweek rest and the one-match-a-week schedule. As the Foxes faithful savour the sound of the Champions League Anthem on a regular basis (for 6 weeks at the very least) and watch their favourite team go toe-to-toe with the best in Europe, with it comes the associated fatigue and the subsequent injuries. Ranieri would really have to live up to his famed moniker as “The Tinkerman” when he would be forced to rotate his squad heavily in order to keep us with the relentless stream of matches.
As far as injuries are concerned, Leicester have been incredibly lucky with injuries this season. Eight players have missed two or fewer games. Imagine what would have happened if a freak injury sidelined Mahrez or Vardy or Kante for a sizeable duration.
And while that could be put down to a well-drilled and fit squad, there is no doubt that non-participation of the club in Europe has contributed to their cause leading to more rest and recuperation schedules.
In contrast, compare it to Liverpool, Manchester United or Arsenal, teams who had their fair share of European midweek commitments, who at times could have made an entire XI just from players sitting on the treatment tables.
