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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Chris Doyle

Filip Benkovic faces Leicester transfer sweat as former Celtic defender suffers another setback

Leicester City defender Filip Benkovic faces an anxious wait after suffering a knee injury against Wigan.

The former Celtic stopper has been to surplus to requirements for the Foxes so far this season but was handed his first start in the 2-0 FA Cup win.

The Croatian international only managed 67 minutes as he cruelly limped off with the worrying injury.

Brendan Rodgers made several changes for the victory against the Lactics as he included various fringe players in his starting XI, including Benkovic.

The ex-Hoops star will now wait to discover the extent of the injury, which could have a knock-on effect on a potential January exit from Leciester .

(Plumb Images/Leicester City via Getty Images)

Rodgers said: "Filip’s knee was sore, so we’ll probably get a scan on that and see where he’s at.

“It’s been really difficult for him because he hasn’t played at all, other than Under-23s games.

“I know what Filip can do. I thought he was steady, and you see his quality when he has the ball, he can switch the game.

"I thought he was playing himself into the game just before he came off.

"He’s a big talent, so hopefully his knee is not too serious."

Rodgers admitted last week a January loan move for Benkovic could be on the cards as Celtic continue to be linked with him.

He said: "It depends. If there’s the right team for him and there’s the right possibility then of course we will look at that.

"He stayed behind, he's offered us really good cover, he’s been involved in some of the Under-23s games, so he’s been playing football.

“We’ll see how that develops over the course of January."

(Plumb Images/Leicester City via Getty Images)

Rodgers also previously made it clear that the Parkhead club would be first in line if Benkovic does leave on loan.

He told MailSport shortly after being appointed last season: " Filip's situation is one I'll look at.

"But there's no doubt that if I want him to go out on loan again, I'd want him to go to Celtic.

"Of course, I'll have a conversation with the player - I think he's a big talent.

"Filip is a top-class young player but if he goes on loan again, I'd love him to return to Celtic.

"He needs to play and Celtic has been a great experience for him."

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