Rodgers: Vardy Close To A Return

- Leicester City entertain Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday (3pm BST kick-off)
- Jamie Vardy could play a role for the Foxes in that clash at King Power Stadium
- Manager Brendan Rodgers provided an update on his squad on Friday

The Foxes welcome Aston Villa to King Power Stadium on Saturday, three days after the 1-1 draw at Everton, and five before the visit of Roma in the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa Conference League. Vardy has been absent for City since the 1-0 victory over Leeds United on 5 March.

The Club's No.9 has netted 12 goals in 24 outings in all competitions this term and Rodgers hopes he will be able to play a part on Filbert Way this weekend. He is Leicester's all-time top Premier League scorer and is currently third on their historical goals charts, behind only Arthur Chandler and Arthur Rowley.

"He’s trained with the squad," the Northern Irishman told the media on Friday. "Hopefully he’ll be back involved tomorrow (Saturday). "It’s just about availability. He’s come through and we’ll see the after effects this afternoon in terms of his knee.

"Everything over the last few days has been really positive so hopefully he can have some involvement in the game. He’ll be a big boost for us once he’s back available and we’ll look forward to seeing him on the field at some point on Saturday."

Rodgers is also hoping that the nature of a player like Vardy can provide a boost to his team-mates at a crucial juncture in City's season. After the first leg against Roma, a trip to north London is next up to tackle Spurs, before the second leg of that European tie in the Italian capital the following Thursday. 

"You know the intensity he can bring to the game, his movement, and the confidence," he said. "That type of player coming back gives the team a huge boost. He’s a proven top-level player. We’ve missed him a lot and that’s the reality of it, but hopefully he's back for a really important period for us.

"If we can have him back and fit and available for these last games, that'll really help us. 

"Players like that are important. It’s difficult when they’re working with the medical and sports science teams because their schedules are different and they’re not travelling. Once he's back in the squad, his enthusiasm, his energy and obviously his aura as a player will give confidence.

"Of course, for the supporters, it's great because he’s a real legend here at the Club and he’s fighting ready to perform for us."