#PremierLeagueStories @LCFC – When #KelechiIheanacho #WilfredNdidi return from injury + #JamieVardy is still in his prime ( and other Leicester City stories )
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Jamie Vardy
Iheanacho was hit by the Brazilian goalkeeper when he attempted to head home James Maddison’s pass, and he was left in need of medical attention. Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers discussed Manchester City keeper Ederson’s role in how Kelechi Iheanacho had to leave the field during their 1-0 loss to the champions in the Premier League. After the treatment, the 23-year-old managed to finish the first-half, but he was replaced by Harvey Barnes at half-time with Rodgers claiming he was ‘groggy’ during the break.
Brendan Rodgers said “It was the reason he had to come off. I haven’t seen it again, I haven’t seen a replay of it, but the guys are telling me he got caught on the throat. It’s a lovely ball by James [Maddison] and he’s getting there. I suppose, for a keeper, he’s come to try to punch the ball and they try to take the man at the same time. That’s what they do. I haven’t seen it again to give an honest opinion on it. Iheanacho felt a bit groggy at half-time, and I always listen to the medical staff on that. They felt it would be hard for him to continue at the level, so Harvey [Barnes] came on and gave us that penetration. Iheanacho felt a bit groggy at half-time, and I always listen to the medical staff on that. They felt it would be hard for him to continue at the level, so Harvey [Barnes] came on and gave us that penetration.”
Iheanacho has made 10 appearances in the Premier League this season with three goals to his name. Across all competitions, the Nigeria international has a tally of eight goals in 15 matches. Ahead of Friday’s league trip to Norwich City, Leicester City will be hoping to have the 23-year-old fit alongside his compatriot Wilfred Ndidi who has missed their previous three games.
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers believes Jamie Vardy is getting back to his best despite seeing his goalless run stretch to two months in Saturday’s 1-0 Premier League defeat to Manchester City.
Brendan Rodgers said “After his injury he didn’t play in a few games and it has taken a little bit of time to get back, but he’s back to that ability of his running and his penetrating in behind. This is as fit as he’s looked since that injury. If he keeps doing that, he’ll get his chances. I’ve no doubts about him and he was very unlucky not to score. I think that in each game he’s getting more and more back to himself. (Against City) you could see his threat in behind. He was fantastic and very unfortunate.”
Vardy was in electric form at the start of the season, scoring 17 goals before Christmas including a run of netting in eight straight games, but he has not been on the scoresheet since a 3-1 loss to City at the Etihad on December 21.The 33-year-old has dealt with a muscular injury since then but – despite the lack of goals – Rodgers believes Vardy is coming back to his best.
Wilfred Ndidi was not rushed back from surgery, Brendan Rodgers has insisted, amid the Nigerian’s continued knee problems. However, after just two appearances, against West Ham and Aston Villa, the pain returned to Ndidi’s knee and he has now been ruled out of a third straight match with Rodgers confirming his unavailability.
Brendan Rodgers said “Medically, he passed the tests and measures to show he was okay. He had played a game and a half. He came on here after half an hour against West Ham and came through that. Then he played in the other game [in the Carabao Cup second leg v Villa]. From a manager’s perspective, you’re guided by medics and himself. He just didn’t quite get the right feeling going into the Chelsea game.”
Ndidi was initially in the line-up to play against Chelsea three weeks ago, but was pulled out at the last minute after Rodgers noticed he wasn’t moving freely. Ndidi’s desire is to play in every game, but City are now forcing him to be patient.
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