Rodgers: Evans To Be Assessed For Burnley Test

- Leicester City entertain Burnley at King Power Stadium on Saturday (3pm kick-off)
- Manager Brendan Rodgers says Jonny Evans is recovering well after his first 90 minutes this season
- The centre-back is returning to full fitness after a foot issue and will be assessed on Friday
- James Justin (ACL) and Wesley Fofana (fibula) are the only other long-term absentees

Evans, who will be assessed later on Friday, had been absent with a foot issue since starting City's triumphant appearance in the final of the Emirates FA Cup last season. He has featured three times this term, notably starring for the entirety in Wednesday's 2-0 victory over Millwall in the Carabao Cup.

Speaking a day before the encounter with Sean Dyche's Clarets on Saturday (3pm kick-off), Rodgers provided an update on the fitness of his squad. 

"It was obviously his first 90 minutes for us, which was great," the Northern Irishman said, discussing Evans' current status. "He’s recovering after the game and was a little sore, like most of the players on the second day, but it’s good news for us, he’s come through it.

"That was his first 90 minutes since earlier in the year. It's just managing that process and seeing how the foot reacts. We'll find out later on where he's at. He's obviously still in that recovery phase from the other day. We have to also think that it's a long season. I'm just delighted he got the game time in.

"Absolutely, when he's playing, we're a better team. He gives great authority and insurance to the backline and to the team overall because of his tactical ability and how he plays the game. We'll see if he can start. If not, he'll certainly be on the bench. We know we've got other important games ahead." 

Rodgers is also hopeful that James Justin is nearing a return from an ACL injury picked up against Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup back in February. Apart from Justin and defensive colleague Wesley Fofana (fibula), Leicester have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the weekend.

"[Justin is] still a number of weeks away," the 48-year-old added. "He’s been working so hard, morning noon and into the evenings as well. He’s giving everything to be back. It’ll may be another four to five weeks we would say, but he’s doing very well.

"JJ and Wesley are the only two that are longer term. Everyone else is training and working very well."

All times BST.