Leicester City’s Jordan James may not play again, as Gary Rowett works to avoid a ‘serious’ complication.

Jordan James may have already made his final appearance for Leicester City this season, as manager Gary Rowett looks to avoid aggravating what could become a more serious long-term injury.

The young attacking midfielder, who has arguably been Leicester’s standout performer throughout a difficult campaign, has not been at full fitness since returning from the March international break. His condition was evident during Tuesday night’s crucial 2–2 draw with Hull City, a result that ultimately confirmed the club’s relegation to League One.

Jordan James after Leicester City’s relegation to League One was confirmed(Image: Stephen White – CameraSport via Getty Images)

James, 21, had picked up a heel problem while on international duty with Wales national football team earlier in March. The match against Hull marked his first start since that break, but his return was short-lived as he was forced off the pitch after appearing to struggle physically.

With Leicester’s relegation now mathematically confirmed, Rowett has indicated that there is little sense in taking unnecessary risks with one of the club’s most important young players. The priority, he suggested, is to ensure that James does not worsen his injury, even if the player himself is eager to continue playing.

Speaking ahead of Friday night’s fixture against Millwall FC, Rowett provided an update on James’s condition. He acknowledged the player’s determination, noting that despite not being fully fit, he had still made himself available and put in the effort for the team.

Rowett explained that James has not been close to full fitness in the matches he has featured in since returning from injury. Given the midfielder’s importance and the contributions he has made during a challenging season, the manager stressed the need for caution. He emphasized that the club does not want to risk turning a manageable issue into a more serious, long-lasting problem by pushing the player too hard.

While James would likely be willing to feature again, Rowett suggested that the coaching staff would ultimately decide how much involvement he should have, if any, in the remaining games. At this stage, it appears unlikely that he will be included in the starting lineup for the upcoming match. The manager also revealed that the injury was aggravated when James landed awkwardly, with the issue still centered on his heel.

Rowett went on to mention that James is not the only player dealing with fitness concerns. There are a few fresh injuries within the squad, although he did note that no one has officially ruled themselves out of contention for selection.

Earlier in the week, the Leicester boss had made it clear that any player who did not feel capable of contributing in the final matches should communicate that directly to him. As the season draws to a close, he believes it is important to approach team selection with a sensible mindset, especially given the physical toll some players have endured.

He reiterated that several members of the squad have been pushing themselves to get through recent fixtures despite not being at peak condition. However, with the club’s fate already decided, there is now a need to make more measured decisions regarding player welfare.

Despite the circumstances, Rowett remains focused on ensuring that Leicester approach their remaining fixtures with the right attitude. He expressed hope that he would still have a strong pool of players to choose from, emphasizing that the upcoming match remains significant, both in terms of professional pride and competitive integrity.

He pointed out that Millwall will be highly motivated to secure a positive result, and as such, Leicester must be prepared to match that intensity. The expectation is that every player selected will give their maximum effort and maintain the standards required at this level.

Rowett also addressed the possibility of players opting out of the remaining games, stating that, so far, no one has approached him with such a request. While he does not anticipate this becoming an issue, he acknowledged that he cannot completely rule it out.

He clarified that his earlier comments about players making themselves unavailable were not intended to accuse anyone of lacking commitment. Instead, his aim was to ensure transparency and to reinforce the importance of full dedication from anyone who takes to the pitch.

According to Rowett, this message has already been clearly communicated to the squad. He believes that being open and honest with the players about expectations is crucial, particularly ahead of a fixture like Friday’s.

Ultimately, while James’s desire to play is evident, Leicester appear determined to prioritize his long-term fitness over short-term involvement. With little left to play for in terms of league position, protecting one of their brightest talents could prove to be the most sensible course of action as the season comes to an end.

Wolves aim to sign QPR’s key player as part of their Championship rebuilding plan

Wolverhampton Wanderers, AFC Bournemouth, and Sunderland AFC are all monitoring Rumarn Burrell, the in-form striker currently playing for Queens Park Rangers, as they consider strengthening their squads ahead of the upcoming season.

Burrell, now 25, has attracted significant attention from clubs higher up the English football pyramid following a series of standout performances in the Championship. Since joining QPR from Burton Albion last summer, the Jamaican international has made a strong impact, registering 10 goals and three assists across 22 league starts. His contributions have made him one of the more dangerous attacking threats in the division.

Both Bournemouth and Sunderland are actively seeking to improve their attacking depth as they prepare for next season, while Wolves are expected to undergo a major rebuild after suffering relegation from the Premier League. As part of that restructuring process, Wolves are believed to be particularly keen on bringing in proven Championship talent, and Burrell fits that profile well.

Despite missing close to three months of action earlier in the campaign due to a hamstring injury, Burrell has returned to full fitness and quickly rediscovered his form. His ability to influence games consistently has only strengthened interest from top-tier clubs.

Interest in Burrell comes amid wider transfer activity involving QPR forwards. Earlier this year, reports suggested that Ipswich Town attempted to secure a deal for striker Richard Kone on deadline day, although that move ultimately fell through. Kone, an Ivorian forward who also joined QPR last summer after impressing in League One, developed a promising partnership with Burrell during the early months of the season.

Statistically, Burrell’s Championship campaign has been highly productive. Across 29 appearances, he has scored 10 goals and assisted three more, while also creating 22 chances. In addition, he has completed 14 successful dribbles and won 83 duels, underlining his all-around effectiveness in attacking situations.

QPR are bracing themselves for strong transfer interest in both Burrell and Kone during the summer window. However, the club will be eager to retain their key attacking assets as they aim to mount a serious push for promotion next season.

Burrell’s career path has been a steady rise through the football leagues. He began his professional journey with Grimsby Town and later had a stint at Middlesbrough FC, but it was in Scotland where he truly began to make a name for himself. While playing for Cove Rangers in the third tier, he enjoyed a remarkable 2023–24 campaign, scoring 21 goals and providing six assists.

One particularly eye-catching stretch saw Burrell record 17 direct goal contributions in just eight matches, highlighting his explosive attacking potential. That form earned him a move back into English football, first with Burton Albion and then QPR, where he has continued to develop his reputation as a reliable goal scorer.

Given his current trajectory and performances, it is no surprise that Premier League clubs are now circling. Burrell remains under contract at QPR until 2030, placing the club in a strong negotiating position. Having signed him for around £1 million, they are likely to demand a significantly higher fee if they are to consider selling.

When assessing which club might be best positioned to secure his signature, Wolves appear to have a distinct advantage. Sunderland’s current attacking situation includes Brian Brobbey, who has recently established himself as their first-choice striker after initially starting the season behind Wilson Isidor. However, Isidor could depart in the summer, potentially opening up space for a new forward addition.

At Bournemouth, the emergence of Eli Junior Kroupi has been a major positive. The 19-year-old has scored 11 goals in his debut Premier League season and is already drawing attention from other clubs. With Kroupi tied down to a long-term contract until 2030, Bournemouth may not prioritize another striker as urgently.

Wolves, on the other hand, are undergoing more significant changes. Following the January departure of Jørgen Strand Larsen, further exits could follow, with Tolu Arokodare reportedly facing an uncertain future amid dressing room concerns. This leaves Wolves in need of a dependable striker capable of delivering in the Championship.

Manager Rob Edwards is expected to prioritize the signing of a proven goal scorer as part of the club’s rebuild. In that context, Burrell’s track record and familiarity with the division make him a highly suitable candidate.

Overall, while several clubs are interested, Wolves seem the most likely destination at this stage, given their immediate need and strategic focus on rebuilding with effective Championship performers.