Mahrez does NOT face backlash, says Albrighton

LEICESTER winger Marc Albrighton has hit back at suggestions that team-mates are angry with Riyad Mahrez’s conduct. The Algeria forward failed to show for training four times last week and missed the 2-1 defeat at Everton as he attempted to force through a deadline-day move to Manchester City. Mahrez was absent again as the Foxes were held 1-1 at home by Swansea City on Saturday and it is unclear when he will return. But Albrighton insists there is no backlash from colleagues and likened the reports this week to claims last year that players had forced out title-winning boss Claudio Ranieri, saying they were simply not true. ‘We know this from when Claudio was relieved of his duties last season, stories will get made up,’ he said. ‘They are far from the truth and we just have to deal with it. ‘We can’t come out and argue with anyone, we just have to get on with our football and do our job. I’ve seen a few stories saying the players were angry and it’s far from the truth. ‘That’s something that we have to deal with. We know it’s going to happen and we just get on with our job.’ There is no sign from Mahrez that he plans to return to training this week. Leicester may well have to turn to the PFA to mediate.