Wilfred Ndidi was fit enough to be named in Leicester City’s matchday squad for their Championship clash against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday night.

The central midfielder suffered a serious muscle injury which had kept him out of action for the Foxes since the start of the year and cost him his spot in the Super Eagles squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Prior to the trip to Sunderland, Ndidi had not played competitively for Leicester City since December 29, 2023 when he lasted 69 minutes on the pitch in a 2-0 win at Cardiff City.

After 67 days on the sidelines and missing thirteen consecutive games in all competitions, Ndidi came off the bench in the 72nd minute, replacing Yunus Akgün in midfield.

The initial prognosis suggested a three-month layoff but he has returned to action earlier than expected.

Manager Enzo Maresca’s second substitution saw Kelechi Iheanacho take the place of Jamie Vardy who proved to be the match winner.

The former England international  headed home from close range to give the visitors the lead in the thirteenth minute.

Nddi’s return will give Leicester City the impetus in the hunt for automatic promotion to the Premier League.