James Returns To Light Training

- Claudio Ranieri pleased with the midfielder’s progression 

- City boss also revealed his players have returned from international duty in good spirits 

Ahead of Leicester City’s Barclays Premier League clash with Aston Villa, manager Claudio Ranieri provided an update on midfielder Matty James. 

The former Manchester United man injured his knee in the victory over Southampton towards the end of the 2014/15 campaign, having played a significant role in City’s remarkable run of results during that period. 

Since then, James has had surgery on his knee and has undergone a rehabilitation programme to help him recover from his injury. 

Much to the delight of the Blue Army, James returned to light training this week, and Ranieri says he has been pleased with the midfielder’s progression. 

The City boss said: “At the moment he’s started the warm-up with us. That is important for his confidence. I think he needs another two or three months more, then he can start also with us.” 

Ranieri also confirmed that City’s international contingent have returned from duty with their nations without any injury problems. 

“All the international players came back in a very good condition with good fitness,” Ranieri added. 

“I’m very happy because Jamie Vardy played and achieved qualification and the same with Fuchs. Kingy was very close. 

“Kasper got two clean sheets and Okazaki scored twice. It was good. No injuries and that’s important for me.”