Leicester City could welcome Jayden Joseph back after the international break, with Russell Martin hopeful of ending the right-back’s lengthy absence against Huddersfield Town.

Joseph is training again but will miss Tuesday’s EFL Trophy fixture against Walsall, leaving the Foxes waiting a little longer for his return.

Martin looks beyond Walsall for Joseph comeback

The defender’s last appearance came in September’s 4-3 victory over Stockport County, and what was initially expected to be a shorter lay-off has stretched towards two months. His return to training offers encouragement, although Martin wants him to have time to prepare before going back into the squad.

Speaking before Leicester’s FA Cup win at Oxford City, Martin identified Huddersfield as a possible comeback fixture, according to Leicestershire Live. His comments suggest the international break could give Joseph the extra preparation time he needs.

“He’s training, but he’s been out for quite a while so he’s going to need a bit of time. We’re really hopeful he’ll be back in the squad for the Huddersfield game.”

For now, that remains an ambition rather than a guaranteed return date. The outlook for Joseph is more encouraging than for two other members of Martin’s squad, who face much longer recoveries.

Foxes preparing for campaign without injured pair

Goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk and centre-back Ben Nelson are both recovering from anterior cruciate ligament injuries, with Leicester planning on the basis that neither will feature again this season. Martin left open the possibility of an earlier return when he discussed their rehabilitation in September, but stressed that the club could not count on it.

“I hope we’ll get one or both of them back before the end of the season, but as it stands, we’ve got to prepare for them not to be involved at all this season.”

Nelson ruptured his ACL during the pre-season defeat against Genoa and subsequently underwent surgery. Stolarczyk suffered his injury in the 2-0 victory over Plymouth Argyle in September, coming off after just six minutes. Martin reported in September that Nelson’s operation had gone well and that the defender was in a good place. The manager also described the pair as huge losses on the pitch.

Their recoveries will overlap, something Martin hopes can help both players through their time away from competitive football. Discussing the support Leicester would provide, he said:

“As human beings, we need to make sure they’re looked after. It’s really as simple as that.”

Those absences form part of the selection picture for Walsall, with international call-ups also reducing Martin’s options. Leicester head into their final group match having beaten Fulham Under-21s 6-1 before losing 2-1 to Stevenage, and could again turn to younger players as they seek a place in the knockout stages.