Iheanacho Back In Contention, Says Maresca
- Kelechi Iheanacho has returned to Leicester City after AFCON
- The Nigeria striker is available for selection
- City host Middlesbrough at King Power Stadium on Saturday
- Marc Albrighton is back but Ben Nelson remains a doubt
The Nigeria striker scored the winning penalty for the Super Eagles to reach the final in Ivory Coast, but his nation suffered heartbreak in the final against the hosts. He's now back and in contention to feature for the Foxes.
Winger Marc Albrighton, meanwhile is also back after an injury, although defender Ben Nelson is a doubt. The Foxes host Middlesbrough at King Power Stadium, currently holding a 12-point lead at the Sky Bet Championship summit.
"He's back," Maresca told reporters on Friday, when asked about Iheanacho's availability.
"Marc is back. He started to work with us and we’ll see for tomorrow. The only one [who may miss out] is Ben Nelson. He had a kick against Watford. He’s still struggling a little but but we’ll see for tomorrow."
Midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is also out with a long-term injury, but the injury situation is looking good for City at a crucial moment of 2023/24. Maresca is hopeful that it will help them to continue to pursue their ambitions this year.
"The good thing is that you can chose," the Italian added. "The difficult thing is that some will be out of the XI and the squad. It's not a good thing to do as a manager and it’s tough for them to accept that but it is what it is."