By Oliver Taylor
Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers provided injury updates on several first team players during his virtual press conference yesterday ahead of Leicester’s Europa League game against Braga.
Jonny Evans is doubtful to play against Braga tonight (THU,NOV5), but could return for Sunday’s game against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Evans injured his back against Arsenal on October 25. Rodgers explained: “We’ll give him every chance, but he’ll be a big doubt for the game.
“It’s just from the awkward landing in that game. It’s a part of his back that could click in later on or tomorrow and be absolutely fine.
“I always felt from the medical team and from Jonny that if it wasn’t going to be Thursday, he’ll hopefully be okay for Wolves.”
Rodgers is in high spirits following James Maddison’s return after a hip issue.
“He’s a player who loves the game, he loves training. If you’re a player like that, when you’re injured and you’re not able to impact the team, it can be difficult,” Rodgers said.
“Now, he looks strong and he started the game over in Athens and came into the game against Leeds. He made a big impact, and he’s a wonderful player for us.”
Leicester remain without Ricardo Pereira, Çağlar Söyüncü, Wilfred Ndidi and Timothy Castagne.
Pereira injured his anterior cruciate ligament in the Foxes’ 4-0 victory against Aston Villa in March. He has remained out following surgery, but could return around early December, based on the timeline he gave Portuguese outlet O Jojo (six weeks) last month.
Söyüncü suffered an abductor injury on international duty with Turkey last month. His last Leicester appearance was against West Ham on October 4.
Ndidi is also sidelined with an abductor injury. He suffered the injury against Burnley in September.
Castagne is out of action due to a hamstring injury. He is not expected to return until after the international break.
Leicester and Braga are tied atop Group G with six points apiece and an identical goal difference. Both teams have scored five goals against AEK Athens and Zorya Luhansk while conceding one.
Jamie Vardy has scored in Leicester’s last three games and is injury free ahead of tonight’s game.
If Vardy was rested, it is worth noting Islam Slimani is ineligible to play due to not being named in Leicester’s 25-man squad.
Tonight’s game will kick off at 8:00pm at the King Power Stadium.
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