Van Nistelrooy Draws a Line as Winks Dropped from Leicester Training

Key Takeaways:

• Harry Winks excluded from first-team training after a personal dispute with manager Ruud van Nistelrooy
• Conflict arose over Winks’ continued 160km daily commute and refusal to stay locally
• Midfielder was previously involved in controversial off-field behaviour this season

Training Ground Tensions

Leicester City manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has decisively removed midfielder Harry Winks from first-team training sessions after a disagreement between the pair intensified this week. The issue reportedly centred around Winks’ unwillingness to adjust his travel routine, choosing to maintain a long 160-kilometre daily commute to the training ground rather than temporarily reside in local accommodation, as advised by Van Nistelrooy.

According to The Telegraph, the Dutch head coach had recommended that Winks stay in a nearby hotel at least once per week to ease the physical and logistical strain of his travels. However, the 29-year-old midfielder declined, citing deeply personal reasons—chief among them the recent arrival of his newborn son.

The situation escalated into a heated exchange, prompting Van Nistelrooy to take firm action by withdrawing Winks from first-team duties. The England international subsequently missed Leicester’s 2–0 defeat to Manchester City on Wednesday as a result.

🚨BREAKING NEWS

Ruud van Nistelrooy axes Harry Winks from LCFC squad in row over 100-mile commute.

Winks refused a demand to stay for one night a week at club’s training ground and was excluded from squad for match at Man City

[@JPercyTelegraph]🎖️ pic.twitter.com/vkdzuONSto

— FosseHub (@FosseHub) April 3, 2025

Previous Issues Surface

This is not the first time Winks has found himself entangled in controversy during the current campaign. Earlier in the season, he made headlines for his involvement in a team outing in Copenhagen where he and other Leicester players were photographed holding a sign that read:

“We miss you, Enzo Maresca”

The message referred to the club’s former manager, now leading Chelsea. The incident raised eyebrows within the club’s hierarchy, as it was perceived by some as a lack of alignment with the new management direction.

Future Uncertainty

With his immediate future at Leicester now uncertain, questions are growing over whether Winks has played his final match for the Foxes. Despite being a key presence in midfield for much of the season, this latest development may significantly impact his role moving forward.

Neither club officials nor the player have issued formal statements regarding a potential return to squad activities or an impending departure. As it stands, Winks’ status remains in limbo amid growing tensions behind the scenes.