More injury pain for Rodgers

BRENDAN RODGERS suffered a miserable night in Ukraine as Leicester missed the chance to seal top spot in their Europa League group and Caglar Soyuncu lasted just 15 minutes on his comeback. Leicester fear key centre back Soyuncu suffered a recurrence of the groin injury that had kept him out since early October, and Zorya Luhansk rubbed salt into the wounds when substitute Allahyar Sayyadmanesh scored the winner six minutes from time. Along with Soyuncu, Rodgers brought back two other stars who had been out injured. Full back Ricardo Pereira played 45 minutes on his first senior appearance since damaging cruciate knee ligaments nine months ago, and midfielder Wilfred Ndidi — out since September — lasted just under an hour. Ndidi looked the most solid of the three.

This result means Leicester — who are already qualified — must beat AEK Athens at home next week to be sure of finishing above Braga and improving their chances of a favourable draw in the last 32. ‘It looks like Soyuncu overstretched and we need to analyse that when we get back,’ said Rodgers, whose side travel to Sheffield United in the Premier League on Sunday. ‘Ricardo did well in the first half but it’s just a process for him after so long out.’ Rodgers had talked up the importance of his three returning players after resting Jamie Vardy, Kasper Schmeichel, Jonny Evans and Youri Tielemans. But as Soyuncu ran to intercept a through-ball, he quickly halted his stride and held his thigh. The Foxes were lucky to stay level when Zorya hit the bar early in the second half but they were punished in the 84th minute when Sayyadmanesh turned in a low cross from close range.

LEICESTER (4-2-3-1): Ward 6.5; Pereira 5.5 (Thomas 46min, 6), Morgan 5.5 (Fuchs 56, 6), Soyuncu 6 (Fofana 17, 6), Justin 6; Ndidi 6.5 (Mendy 56, 6), Choudhury 5.5; UNDER 7, Praet 6 (Maddison 78), Barnes 6.5; Iheanacho 6. Subs not used: Jakupovic, Albrighton, Perez, Leshabela, Stolarczyk, Flynn, Nelson. Booked: Pereira, Fofana, Iheanacho, Mendy. Manager: Brendan Rodgers 6. Referee: Espen Eskas (Norway) 6.