Leicester City defensive duo pictured in training as they take step towards injury returns

Jonny Evans and Timothy Castagne have been pictured in Leicester City training as they take a step closer to returning from injury.

Neither of the defensive duo have played this calendar year after picking up problems in December that exacerbated their injury-hit campaigns. However, they now appear to be moving towards a comeback after training alongside their team-mates at Seagrave.

Evans hobbled off with a hamstring issue just five minutes into City's 4-0 win over Newcastle nearly three months ago, and subsequently had an operation, while Castagne also needed surgery after suffering from a bleeding on the thigh. The Belgian, knowing he would need a considerable amount of time in rehabilitation, also had a persistent shoulder issue operated on.

Evans began the campaign with the foot issue that hampered him towards the end of last season, while Castagne missed the first few games while in recovery from the eye-socket surgery he had following a clash of heads at the European Championships last summer, an injury that nearly ended his career. In all, Evans has played only 15 of City’s 41 matches in all competitions, while Castagne has featured 21 times.

On Wednesday, both players appeared back in training for the first time since their operations. However, neither are expected to be back featuring in the first team until after the March international break.

Joining them in training were a few City youngsters, including forward Tawanda Maswanhise. The 19-year-old, who impressed in pre-season last summer, is the Under-23s top scorer this season. Also pictured in training were centre-backs Lewis Brunt and Ben Nelson.

Once Evans and Castagne return, that will mean there are just three City players on the sidelines. Jamie