Seven players will miss Leicester City’s crucial Europa League tie with Napoli after a bout of Covid and illness hit the squad. Stars including Kelechi Iheanacho and Ayoze Perez have stayed at home, with manager Brendan Rodgers confirming that a group of players had been left behind because of some positive Covid tests and some cases of illness. One player out on the pitch was Youri Tielemans, with the Belgian midfielder fit to play his first game since the draw with Leeds a month ago.
Brendan Rodgers said: “We have some players and staff who have not travelled. We have had some positive cases and also have some people who are generally not well. We haven’t taken the risk. Youri has travelled, and trained very well and he will be available. Ryan (Bertrand) has been out for a week or so and he will be available for the game as well. You’re starting to see a few more cases in general now. For us, it’s about the health of our players and obviously travelling into a foreign country as well, we have to respect that. We still have a strong squad here, but unfortunately it’s not a fully-fit squad. I’m really only looking at the next fixture (and not the weekend’s game at Newcastle). Whether I have a fully-fit squad or not, that’s the focus. We just have to see what develops over the coming days.”
Rodgers still has confidence going into the game on Thursday night, knowing his team are in control of the group as its current leaders.
Brendan Rodgers added: “It’s one we’re very comfortable in, knowing the fate is in our hands.” Rodgers said. “If we win, we top the group, if we don’t lose, we qualify. The key is to be positive in our mindset and try to win the game. It’s what we look to do. We had a really good performance against Napoli at home. They are an excellent team, but the team has a confidence there.”
