Nigeria international, Kelechi Iheanacho, could be a notable absentee when the Premier League returns this weekend. Iheanacho could miss Leicester City’s game against Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday, according to his manager, Claude Puel.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Puel revealed that the former Manchester City star is a doubt due to a broken hand picked up on national duty with Nigeria.
“All the players are okay,” Puel said. “[But] we just need to see about Kelechi [Iheanacho] because he has a broken hand and we will see if he can play with his injury tomorrow.”
The 22-year-old was away with Nigeria during the international break, where the Super Eagles played two games against Poland and Serbia.
Iheanacho started in Nigeria’s narrow 1-0 victory over Poland, before missing the second encounter, which Nigeria lost 2-0 to Serbia.
While Iheanacho might be a doubt, Puel has absolute confidence in his team mates, who are away at Brighton as they continue to fight for a place in Europe.
“We need to have a collective response,” the former Southampton manager added when asked about tomorrow’s opponents. “We expect all opponents to have good players, attributes and confidence.
” (But) I have confidence in my squad to give their best against a good opponent. “
The Foxes are currently three points behind Burnley, who occupy the last European qualifying place, and take on West Brom Albion at the Hawthorns.