AdminLeicester City’s struggles in front of goal have been laid bare by a stark statistic: their two senior strikers have managed just six non-penalty goals between them across a combined 70 appearances.
The situation has become increasingly uncomfortable, with one being booed onto the pitch and the other guilty of spurning presentable chances.
Logic would suggest this is the moment to explore alternatives, to look beyond Jordan Ayew and Patson Daka. Yet there is little indication Gary Rowett is prepared to take such a risk.
That is despite encouraging form elsewhere. Unlike in previous seasons, Leicester possess forwards in their youth ranks who are producing.
Kirsten Otchere has eight goals and four assists in his last 12 outings for the Under-21s, while Lorenz Hutchinson has registered 19 goals and eight assists in 22 appearances across the Under-18s and Under-21s.
Hutchinson’s recent inclusion in the England Under-18s squad alongside Jeremy Monga and Louis Page underlines his progress, particularly given both Monga and Page have already featured for the senior side this term.
Throwing either Otchere or Hutchinson into a high-stakes run-in would undeniably be a gamble. Neither has senior experience, but both arrive in form and full of confidence, with the added advantage of being unknown quantities to opposition defenders.
However, Rowett has made his stance clear. Experience will be prioritised as Leicester attempt to navigate their final seven fixtures, making it increasingly unlikely that youth will be given its chance just yet.
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