Ranieri’s Fitness Update: Schmeichel & Schlupp

- Schlupp has a knee problem, while Schmeichel is back in training, according to the City boss 

- Ranieri explained how all the players away on duty with their nations deserved their international call-ups 

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri provided an update on the fitness of his squad, after his players returned to the Club following the final international break of the season. 

The City boss says only Academy graduate Jeffrey Schlupp has a knee problem having played for Ghana in the Africa Cup of Nations against Mozambique. 

Meanwhile, Ranieri confirmed the fitness of goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, who was recently named as Denmark's Player of the Year. 

“Jeff Schlupp has a problem. He has a swollen knee because it was a hard pitch,” Ranieri said ahead of Sunday’s clash with Southampton. 

“He (Kasper Schmeichel) played 45 minutes and then came back. Today he’s training normally. He’s okay. 

“Everybody is fit and everybody is in good condition. A little tired, it’s normal, but we have one day more to recover very well.” 

The most recent international break saw a Club record number of Leicester City players starting and scoring for their nations on the same day – a total of nine starting on Tuesday, with three different goalscorers. 

Now, Ranieri wants his side to regroup as they prepare for the visit of Southampton to King Power Stadium on Sunday. 

“That is good when they go in the national team,” Ranieri continued. “I’m a little worried because of long journeys, maybe some injury, but when they come back and everybody is okay, I’m very happy because they deserved to be in the national team. 

“The electricity was at the beginning and now continues to be strong. There is a good atmosphere and that is good before the match but after you have to be very focused. 

“Now for me it’s important. The training session today and tomorrow is important to make a group. When the players come from around the world it’s important now to compact everything.”