Claudio Ranieri has given an update on the health of his Leicester squad as they prepare to face Watford.
Leicester City’s Danny Drinkwater in action
Speaking to the club’s official website, Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has confirmed that goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel will not be available for his side’s trip to Watford on Saturday.
He also explained that three players – Danny Drinwater, Demarai Gray and Shinji Okazaki – require late fitness tests ahead of the visit to Vicarage Road.
When asked about Drinkwater and Gray, Ranieri said: “They’re getting better of course. They both had a rest and got better and on Thursday they worked.”
“I will see how they react. Danny had a little rib injury – when he breathed, it wasn’t very well. Gray took a kick to the calf muscle. Okazaki only played one minute. He was not 100 per cent when he came back but he recovered yesterday very well,” he added.
Leicester City’s Demarai Gray scores their first goal
The potential absence of Drinkwater would be a big blow to the champions, who are looking to bounce back from the disappointing 2-1 defeat at home to West Brom that preceded the international break.
Drinkwater’s fellow midfielder Nampalys Mendy is also injured, leaving the onus on the likes of Andy King and Daniel Amartey to step up for the Foxes.
City supporters will also be hoping Okazaki recovers from his knock. The Japanese striker is crucial to Ranieri’s system and was instrumental in the recent win over Crystal Palace, one of just three victories the Foxes have mustered in their opening 11 games.
Leicester City’s Shinji Okazaki celebrates scoring their first goal
German goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler is set to continue in place of Schmeichel between the sticks this weekend.
Ranieri revealed in his press conference that Schmeichel has been joining in with training as an outfield player as he looks to keep his fitness levels up while he recovers from his fractured hand.
Considering his father, Peter, became notorious as a goalscoring goalkeeper perhaps it is no surprise that his son is also keen to show off his outfield skills, but fans will hope to see him back in his usual role before too long.
Leicester City’s Kasper Schmeichel
Last season’s visit to Vicarage Road saw Leicester dig out a 1-0 win courtesy of a moment of magic from Riyad Mahrez as they started to believe their title dream could become a reality.
While they are not flying as high this season, they are in need of a similar result to put a dampener on growing fears that this season may see the Foxes fighting at the opposite end of the table.
Will Ranieri’s side return from Watford with three points? Leave your predictions below.
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