The Guardian (Nigeria)

Leicester bank on Iheanacho’s recovery for survival

• Super Eagles’ star back in training

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LCity’s bid to escape relegation to the English Championsh­ip has been boosted by Kelechi Iheanacho’s return to training.

The Nigerian striker was instrument­al to Leicester City’s move away from the drop zone five weeks ago, but his injury forced absence has seen the club return to the danger zone.

The Super Eagles’ striker sustained a groin injury in the 1- 1 draw at Leeds United last month, but he is hoping to play a part for the Foxes before the end of the season.

City are in a perilous position in the Premier League, currently sat in 19th place and two points adrift of safety, with just two games to play. After Newcastle away next week, West Ham United visit King Power Stadium the weekend after.

Speaking on Iheanacho and other injured players, yesterday, Leicester City Manager, Dean Smith, said: “Kelechi was in training today and he’ll be in full training on Saturday morning.

“Kels has ticked all the boxes he’d need to. We’ve probably had to press the fast- forward button, at the moment. Söyüncü’s back jogging but very slowly. The plan is to get him ready for the last game of the season. “Dewsbury- Hall has had an injection into his ankle. It’s a little but stiff at the moment, but we’re hoping to have him train on Saturday morning. Ki is probably the biggest worry. He hasn’t trained yet.”

Jonny Evans ( hamstring) returned for the Foxes in Monday’s 4- 0 loss to Liverpool and Smith believes he came through the test well. The former Manchester United captain has been involved in 12 matches this season for the Club.

“I had no qualms in putting Jonny in,” he explained. “Other people have questioned it. He’s trained for four weeks. He’s ready to play and he’s experience­d enough. He’s played over 500 games at Premier League level, so I had no qualms to put him in.”

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