Not fully fit, but Evans likely to return for City
JONNY Evans is set to return to the Leicester City line-up this weekend, even though he may be only 80 per cent fit, writes Jordan Blackwell.
Evans’ three-match suspension for a red card on the final day of the last campaign is now over and he is available for tomorrow’s trip to Manchester City.
In his absence, Wilfred Ndidi has filled in alongside Caglar Soyuncu, but the Nigerian is now sidelined himself with a groin injury that will keep him out for 12 weeks.
Evans had picked up a minor thigh strain on international duty at the start of the month and so, like plenty of other players, is not at peak fitness, but that does not matter for City boss Brendan Rodgers.
“He’s been training over these past number of days, so he’s available,” Rodgers said on Evans.
“He’s had a good couple of weeks, and I think for most players, they’re not going to be at 100 per cent.
“But I would still have Jonny Evans at 80 per cent because he’s such a top player.”
City are unlikely to make any further changes to the side that beat Burnley 4-2 in the club’s first home Premier League game last weekend.
With Papy Mendy and Hamza Choudhury to deputise for Ndidi whilehil heh isi out,t RodgersRd mustt d decide id which of the pair would work best against Pep Guardiola’s men.
Choudhury offers greater speed, and is more aggressive in the tackle, but Mendy fared well in the opening two fixtures, and so may keep his place for continuity’s sake.
Ahead of the Frenchman, Youri Tielemans and Dennis Praet are likely to keep their places too.
The pair have also excelled, particularly Praet, as City recorded wins to take them to the top of the table, and despite James Maddison’s growing fitness, neither are yet likely to be usurped.
Ayoze Perez and Harvey Barnes are expected to retain their spots out wide, with Cengiz Under unavailable again.
City were hopeful that the Turkey winger,i signedid on loanl fromf Roma R last weekend, would get his international clearance yesterday.
However, he is not expected to be rushed into the team, and will instead spend a week in training before likely making his debut against West Ham.
“(Under’s international clearance) should be taking place this afternoon,” Rodgers said at yesterday’s press conference.
“He probably won’t be available for the game at the weekend, but certainly to join our squad for training next week and hopefully he’ll be available for the following weekend.”
Predicted City line-up (4-1-4-1): Schmeichel; Castagne, Evans, Soyuncu, Justin; Mendy; Perez, Praet, Tielemans, Barnes; Vardy.