Ricardo Pereira could be in contention to make his first appearance under the new manager when they travel to Craven Cottage next Monday after returning to training
Leicester City has received a significant double injury boost with Ricardo Pereira potentially available for the trip to Fulham and with Kelechi Iheanacho set to return earlier than expected.
Ricardo has not been able to play under Dean Smith yet after injuring his hamstring in the final game before the new manager’s arrival. But after returning to training this week, he could be in contention to feature at Craven Cottage.
The Portuguese full-back will train over both Saturday and Sunday and should he come through those sessions without issue, it is expected he will be in the squad on Monday.
There was more good news delivered by Smith at his press conference on Thursday, with Iheanacho responding well to treatment and set to return earlier than first expected.
The Nigerian striker pulled a groin muscle in the draw with Leeds and while it was initially feared it would be a struggle to get him back before the end of the campaign, Smith now thinks he will be able to play against Newcastle and West Ham in City’s final two games.
Smith said at his press conference: “The only thing fresh is that Ricky Pereira has been training with us. He’s only been doing part of the session but he’ll be training with us on Saturday and Sunday as well.
“He part-trained yesterday. He had a day off today. If he comes through Saturday, I’m sure he’ll be putting himself available for selection on Monday. It’s a boost to the squad to have him back.
“Kel has responded to treatment. Obviously, he won’t be back this weekend, but we may get him back for the last two games. We weren’t hopeful of that when he first sustained the injury. Everyone else has come through the game okay.”
City captain Jonny Evans has also been back in training, having recently overcome injury and illness. But he will do well to displace either Wout Faes or Caglar Soyuncu in the starting line-up.
“He’s back training with us,” Smith said. “He’s trained the last couple of days and he’s trained really well.
“It’s nice to have that experienced head around because even just getting him on the training pitch with us, there’s so much some of the lads can pick up from him, his knowledge, and his experience. He’s a great character to have around as well. We’re pleased to have him back.”
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