Nelson out for most of season with ACL injury

Ben Nelson was a regular for Leicester in defence for much of last season [Getty Images] Leicester City defender Ben Nelson will miss most of the 2026-27 season after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament during a pre-season match. Nelson went off midway through the defeat by Genoa with the seriousness of his knee injury confirmed ahead of Leicester's first-round League Cup tie against Northampton. "It's really disappointing. Sad for him, sad for us," head coach Russell Martin told BBC Radio Leicester. "Our job is to support him through that, make sure he still feels cared for. We will miss him for sure." The 22-year-old made 27 appearances for the Foxes last season in all competitions and Martin suggested his long-term absence will require the club to go back in the market for a central defender. "It probably means we will be more active in that position in the transfer market than we would have been," Martin added. Harry Souttar, who captained Australia in this summer's World Cup , will wear the armband for the Cup game against the Cobblers. Martin praised the Socceroo centre-back's form since returning from an Achilles injury. "He captains his country, he's done really well since he's come back. I think he deserves to be [captain], he's a real leader," said Martin. "We've some real characters and some real leaders to the squad. I think it's really important that this club and this dressing room has leaders." Russell Martin is set to take charge of his first competitive game for Leicester in the League Cup [Getty Images] In relation to Leicester's availability, Martin said midfielder Will Alves is fit, goalkeeper Alex McCarthy has trained and could potentially feature against Northampton, and Conor Chaplin will be absent but could return for Leicester's first league outing against Notts County next week. Martin also sung the praises of winger Wes Burns - who signed from Ipswich Town on a three-year deal - and Chaplin. Martin added: "They've [got] experience of promotion from this level, lots of games at this level. It's a real coup for us. "Both him and Conor could have been in the Championship, but they're really excited about what we want to achieve." Latest Leicester news, analysis and fan views Listen to Leicester City content on BBC Sounds