Leicester City have been dealt a significant blow after goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk was ruled out for the remainder of the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

The 25-year-old picked up the injury in a collision during the opening minute of the Foxes' League One victory against Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday. Despite the early setback, Leicester went on to win the match, but the cost was severe: Stolarczyk, who had established himself as first-choice keeper, will now undergo surgery as early as next week.

Manager "gutted and hurt" for keeper

Russell Martin did not hide his feelings when addressing the media after the news broke.

"I feel so disappointed for the big guy because he has been amazing," Martin told BBC Radio Leicester. "I'm gutted and hurt for him."

Stolarczyk made four appearances for Leicester this season and had been a reliable presence between the posts. An academy product at the club, he had cemented his place as number one last campaign, making the injury all the more damaging for a side that has found the early weeks of League One demanding.

Second ACL blow of the season

Stolarczyk is not the first Leicester player to be struck down with this type of injury in the opening weeks of the campaign. Defender Ben Nelson had already gone under the knife with an ACL problem before this latest setback.

Martin acknowledged the double blow but found a small measure of comfort in the idea that the two players would recover side by side.

"They are two amazing people, young men that I absolutely love to bits as people and football players, and both will be a huge loss on the pitch," Martin said. "So off it, they will work hard, push each other and drive each other on."

The manager was realistic about the timeline, adding: "I hope we get one or both back before the end of the season. But, as it stands, we have to probably prepare for them not to be involved this season."

What it means for Leicester's season

Losing your first-choice goalkeeper to a season-ending injury at any level is a serious setback. For Leicester, who are navigating a challenging League One campaign under Martin, the timing makes it harder still.

The club will now need to look at their goalkeeping options and assess whether they have adequate cover to see out the season without turning to the transfer market. With Stolarczyk facing surgery and an extended rehabilitation period, the burden shifts immediately to whoever steps in behind him.

Martin's side have had a difficult start in the third tier, and the supporters will be hoping the squad depth is there to absorb this blow without further derailing their push to find consistency in the table.

Stolarczyk will begin his recovery shortly after surgery, with the focus now firmly on getting both him and Nelson back fit and available as soon as possible.

Frequently asked

How long is Jakub Stolarczyk out for?
Stolarczyk has been ruled out for the rest of the current League One season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury. He is expected to have surgery within days of the injury being confirmed.
How did Stolarczyk get injured?
He sustained the ACL injury in a collision during the first minute of Leicester City's League One win over Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday.
Who will replace Stolarczyk in goal for Leicester City?
Leicester have not yet confirmed who will take over as first-choice goalkeeper. The club will need to assess their current squad cover, and manager Russell Martin may look to the transfer market if he feels additional options are required.