Newcastle’s game against Leicester already looked hard enough before Brendan Rodgers provided a fitness update on some of his key players.
The Foxes have done brilliantly since the Northern Irishman took over, leaving Celtic for the bright lights of the Premier League.
After losing his first game, Rodgers has now won four on the bounce as Leicester boss. With Newcastle struggling in recent weeks, a trip to the King Power Stadium is far from enticing.
While we may have triumphed there last season, Leicester look a much more confident side this time round. And it sounds like they’ll have some key players available for the game.
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“Harry [Maguire] is back in the squad and Evans has trained with the squad this week,” Rodgers told Leicester’s official website.
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As well as having two key centre-backs back in the fold, the Foxes will also have Jamie Vardy available, despite the striker coming off against Huddersfield.
“He’s [Vardy] absolutely fine. He felt a slight niggle in his groin at the end of the game.
“Rather than risk it we took him off, but he’s fine and as sharp as normal. He’ll be fine for Friday.”
Vardy has been in incredible form as of late, which is bad news for the Newcastle defence. We’ve struggled to deal with him in the past, with his pace in behind causing serious issues.
As well as Vardy being fit, the Foxes have been handed a defensive boost. Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans are both brilliant defenders, and one of them will likely partner captain Wes Morgan on Friday night.
It will be a huge win if Rafa Benitez manages to leave Leicester with three points.