Returning Mahrez a new man, says Puel

– Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez (left) is performing better than ever since ending his 10-day absence from the club, manager Claude Puel said this week.

Mahrez, 26, returned to training last week for the first time since handing in a transfer request last month, with local media reporting he was absent because he was “depressed” after Leicester rejected Manchester City’s deadline day bid to sign him.

The Algerian, however, described assumptions about his absence as “completely untrue”.

He appeared as a second-half substitute in Leicester’s 5-1 Premier League defeat at Manchester City last weekend and is expected to start their FA Cup tie against Sheffield United today after showing improvement in training.

When Puel was asked if he thought Mahrez was back to his normal level, he said: “I think better. He enjoys playing and training with his team mates. He is at a good level and without problems.”

Puel said he will field a strong lineup when they host Sheffield United, who are currently eighth in the Championship (second-tier) standings.

Japanese forward Shinji Okazaki will miss the game due to a knee problem but Puel confirmed captain Wes Morgan could return to make his first appearance since picking up a hamstring injury in the 3-0 win over Huddersfield Town on New Year’s Day. –