Boss hoping Tielemans can shake off his calf problem

LEICESTER City will be hoping Youri Tielemans is fit to extend his Premier League record this weekend after hobbling off in Moscow, writes Jordan Blackwell.

Tielemans was withdrawn midway through the second period at Spartak, not too long after slipping Patson Daka through for his hat-trick goal.

It is understood that the Belgian midfielder had a tight calf, and was taken off as a precaution.

City will be keeping their fingers crossed their reigning player of the season can shake off the issue ahead of Sunday’s trip to Brentford and continue his run of consecutive appearances.

After James Ward-Prowse missed Southampton’s win over Leeds at the weekend, Tielemans became the outfield player with the longest run of consecutive Premier League games, standing at 64 matches, a streak starting in January 2020.

Manager Brendan Rodgers has always been reluctant to leave out such a vital cog in his City system, and this week described the midfielder as one of the best on the continent amid continued contract talks.

“Clearly he is integral to our game and he is a joy to work with,” Rodgers said.

“He is a super professional, looks after his life to be the best he can be in training and games.

“To see a young player with that focus, the mentality to do really well in the games, is great to see.

“To me he is an outstanding player, one of Europe’s top midfield players and, of course, there will obviously be talks with the club in terms of his contract.

“But I continue to work with him and help him improve as a player and that is my only focus.”