Leicester City midfielder Matty James ruled out for up to nine months

Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson has confirmed that midfielder Matty James has ruptured the anterior ligaments in his knee, which will require surgery.

The 23-year-old sustained the injury in the Foxes' 2-0 victory over Southampton last weekend after getting his studs caught in the King Power Stadium turf.

It has now been revealed that James, who has played in five of Leicester's six victories during their impressive recent run, will sit out between six to nine months of action.

"Knee injuries are never nice to deal with. He's a very popular member of the squad and we wish him a speedy recovery," Pearson told reporters.

Meanwhile, fellow midfielder Andy King has returned to training following his recent setback.