Riyad told to prove worth
RIYAD MAHREZ has been told to show just why he was a summer target for Arsene Wenger.
The Leicester winger is set to start against Wenger’s Arsenal when the Premier League season kicks off at the Emirates tomorrow.
Gunners manager Wenger is a fan of last year’s 2015-16 titlewinning PFA Player of the Year but was put off by the £50 million price tag Leicester have put on the Algerian’s head.
The Foxes have already brushed aside a £32m offer from Roma and are refusing to be railroaded into a cut-price deal for their star man.
Mahrez has handed in a transfer request but manager Craig Shakespeare says he has seen nothing about the player’s attitude that suggests his mind is not on the job.
Asked if he considered benching Mahrez, Shakespeare said: “All things come into your mind, but what I’ve seen from him is a focused and professional attitude. As long as I see that he will be considered.
“I expect that to continue. If it doesn’t he won’t train with the group.
“We all know that he came out and said he wants to leave but I can only speak on how I’ve found him since we got back. I’ve found him very focused and very driven.
“He has never given me one single problem or put me in a situation where I’ve had to say, ‘Hey, pull your finger out’. Until we get a bid which is suitable to this club then he stays – and if he remains focused then he’s available for selection.”
Shakespeare is looking for a vibrant performance from his side. They will be without midfielder Danny Drinkwater, who has a thigh injury, and defender Robert Huth, who has an ankle problem.