Ranieri’s Injury Update: De Laet & James

- The Belgian defender injured his ankle in training this week 

- Ranieri pleased to see Matty James back in action

Defender Ritchie De Laet will miss Leicester City’s Barclays Premier League fixture at Swansea City after picking up an injury in training this week, Claudio Ranieri confirmed. 

De Laet has made 10 appearances for the Foxes this term, most recently coming on as a late substitute in the 1-1 draw with Manchester United last weekend. 

The Belgian’s injury came as a result of a knock picked up in training this week and he will not feature in City’s fixture at the Liberty Stadium. 

Ranieri said: “Yesterday there was tackle, Ritchie De Laet had a little injury on his ankle. I think he will be out for one month.” 

The City boss hopes midfielder Matty James can continue his positive progress as he recovers from a knee injury he sustained in May. 

James played his first competitive game in over seven months on Wednesday, completing over an hour in the Development Squad’s clash with Villarreal. 

Ranieri said of James’ fitness: “Now the first important thing is to look how he reacts after the first hour. Of course, in my opinion he is a very good midfielder and I hope he’s ready to stay and to play with me. 

“To everybody – the medical staff are fantastic but also the player is working very hard and he wants to arrive as soon as possible. It’s important for me to have another good midfielder so I can choose. There’s big competition. 

“The others are in good condition. Everybody has worked very well. I’m very glad with the training sessions.”