Ricardo Pereira finally returned to the pitch for Leicester City after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Pereira has spent the last four months out injured but was brought on in the 84th minute by Ruud van Nistelrooy as Leicester were beaten 2-0 by Chelsea.
Defeat for the Foxes has left them six points off 17th placed Wolverhampton Wanderers with only 10 games of the Premier League season left after 12 defeats from their last 13 games.
Van Nistelrooy is one of the worst Premier League managers after 15 games in charge of a club, but
But despite the disappointing afternoon at Stamford Bridge, Pereira’s return was a highlight for the Foxes as the right-back finally made his return.
Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images
Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images
Ricardo Pereira reacts to first Leicester appearance since injury
Pereira was one of several Leicester players to comment on the loss against Chelsea but chose to focus on the positive aspect of returning to the pitch.
Writing on Instagram, the Portuguese defender penned an emotional post that said: “I really enjoyed being back today and I really missed this feeling.
“I will keep giving my very best to help and be helped. To turn this situation around we need EVERYONE in the last 10 games. I believe it’s possible!
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“Thank you Foxes for your warm welcome and your support.”
Ricardo Pereira stats vs Chelsea
Although it was only a brief cameo after Pereira came on in the 84th minute, he still made a solid impression.
Leicester only had three shots all game – with the full-back one of those efforts late into the game.
Ricardo Pereira stats vs Chelsea
Minutes played – 13
Clearances – 3
Tackles – 0
Passes – 13/14
Touches – 20
In his 13 minute spell, Pereira made three clearances and had a near-perfect pass completion percentage.
It’s still early days and he will of course need to get himself back up to speed, but having the experienced defender back at such a crucial stage of the season is so important.