Harvey Barnes has given Brendan Rodgers a boost by returning for a full role in Leicester City’s pre-season plans, according to Leicestershire Live, but is still waiting on Jonny Evans.
Barnes was one of the real stars of the Foxes’ push for Champions League qualification last term. The 23-year-old struck nine goals and offered four assists in 25 Premier League games, and netted four across the Europa League and FA Cup.
But the winger missed the final three months of the campaign after requiring surgery on a knee injury. Leicester only won five of their 12 top-flight fixtures in that period as their top-four bid fell apart. It also cost him the chance to feature for England at Euro 2020.
But Barnes has given Leicester boss Rodgers a big boost ahead of their friendly with Burton after returning to training. The Foxes also expect their academy product is fit enough for a full role in their plans, with three weeks to go before the curtain-raiser against Wolves.
Barnes had only sat out one Premier League fixture before sustaining his injury at home to Arsenal in February. His efforts also saw Leicester hold advanced talks over a new contract, per the Mirror. The East Midlands side believed his current deal did not reflect his status.
The King Power hierarchy also wanted to squash interest from Liverpool and Manchester United. Both watched the winger last season, with him on a £10,000-per-week deal signed in 2019. Far from fitting a player that Rodgers believes is a ‘superstar’ at Leicester.
Barnes boost, but Evans blow for Rodgers at Leicester
While Barnes has given Rodgers a boost by returning to training, the Leicester boss is still waiting for Evans. The defender is yet to take part in the Foxes pre-season preparations as he continues to overcome a foot injury.
The issue forced Evans to sit out the final four games of the Premier League term. Rodgers also had to replace his £3.5m signing from West Brom during the FA Cup final after half an hour. He had only returned for the Wembley showpiece, as well, but could not last the tie.
Evans now faces a race against time to be fit for the league curtain-raiser against Wolves. The Foxes kept 10 clean sheets over his 28 league appearances last term, as the epitome of calmness for Rodgers. A presence he will dearly love to have for the new campaign.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
