Ricardo is back in contention for Saints

RICARDO Pereira is expected to return to the Leicester City line-up tonight after being handed a rest over the weekend.

Ricardo was an unused substitute for the 2-1 victory over West Brom, Hamza Choudhury taking his place and producing a heroic performance, making three goal-line blocks to secure the three points.

But, it was never going to be enough to keep his place if Ricardo, pictured above, was fit.

Not only was the Portuguese rested for City’s win over the Baggies, but for a full week of training too.

This was after he played 90 minutes three times in seven days the week before, and having only just returned from a month-long injury lay-off.

Manager Enzo Maresca has suggested he will be fine to play against Southampton, saying: “Ricky was on the bench and could be available for Tuesday.

“He didn’t train all week with us and was not with us on Friday.

“I spoke with him and we decided at this stage of the season, every player is important, even if it’s only five or 10 minutes. I said he can come with us in case we need him to go inside. But Hamza was fantastic.

“Hamza knows very well his role. Sometimes when Harry Winks didn’t play, he played as a six, in Harry’s position. Most of the times when Ricky was out, he played there. And he did fantastic always. But we are where we are and a big part of this is because of Ricky.”

A 72-hour turnaround from the weekend could prompt a couple of changes from Maresca.

It is rare for Jamie Vardy to start two matches in a row, so there may be a change up front, with Patson Daka, Tom Cannon and Kelechi Iheanacho for Maresca to choose from.