Napoli clash could decide Vardy fate

LEICESTER City could be without Jamie Vardy against Newcastle United on Sunday if he is selected for their midweek Europa League clash.

The 35-year-old striker did not start for the Foxes in their 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa ahead of their winner-takes-all trip to Naples tomorrow evening.

Less than 72 hours before they face the Magpies at King Power Stadium, Leicester will be taking on Napoli as they look to book their place in the knockout stages of the Europa League.

A draw or a win will secure their safe passage to the next round but a defeat is likely to see them drop into the Conference League.

With the knowledge of how important tomorrow’s match is, as well as the fact it would have been his third game in eight days, Vardy was on the bench at Villa Park.

When asked why his talisman did not start in the West Midlands, Brendan Rodgers kept his cards close to his chest.

The Leicester boss, linked with the Magpies’ job before Eddie Howe took over, said: “We have so many games.

“There are not too many players who will be playing every single match, especially our strikers.

“I don’t think there is anyone in the team who can be guaranteed to play every game or else you can never reach the intensity level you want.

“I thought Patson Daka came in and did very well. We now look forward to Napoli.

“We have Jamie, who played half-an-hour at Villa, he can be fresh for that game. We have Kelechi Iheanacho and Patson, so all three are available.

“It is a new game so we will analyse Napoli and we will always pick the best team to win the game.”

Magpies supporters will be hoping Rodgers opts against starting Vardy, who has only been outscored by Mohamed Salah in the Premier League so far this term.

In the former England striker’s 11 previous league meetings with Newcastle, he has scored five goals and provided three assists.

The Magpies won 4-2 at the King Power Stadium last season, Joe Willock and Paul Dummett scoring before Callum Wilson notched a brace.

Marc Albrighton and Iheanacho were Leicester’s scorers.