Ranieri’s Fitness Update: Schmeichel, Drinkwater & Mendy

- Ranieri has been pleased with Schmeichel’s progress as he continues his recovery from a hand problem 

- Mendy is available for Saturday’s clash with Manchester City, according to the Foxes boss 

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri will assess Kasper Schmeichel’s fitness ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Manchester City. 

While it may be too soon for the stopper to make a return from his hand injury, Schmeichel is progressing well and could potentially feature as early as Tuesday against Bournemouth, according to Ranieri. 

The Denmark international has not played for the Foxes since fracturing his hand against FC Copenhagen in early November. 

The City boss said: “Kasper is getting better and maybe he is ready for Bournemouth. I think Saturday is too soon but let me speak to him on Friday. 

“For the me the possibility [to play against Manchester City] is no, but Kasper is a fighter. He could be [ready].” 

Meanwhile, Ranieri was pleased with Nampalys Mendy’s return to action against FC Porto and says the midfielder is available for selection on Saturday. 

Ranieri added: “Of course now he’s made just a week or 10 days with us. I wanted to give to him just 60 minutes, not all the match. 

“I couldn’t change any more and he played all the match, so he needs to recover a little more. He’s available, but not to play from the beginning.” 

Finally, Danny Drinkwater is in contention to face Bournemouth on Tuesday evening as he serves the final game of his three-match suspension against Man City. 

“He’s getting better,” Ranieri said of Drinkwater. “For him it was right for him to make a match after two suspended matches. Now Saturday, then he’s available for Bournemouth next.”