Ranieri On Mahrez Injury

- The Algeria international was withdrawn at half time as a precaution 

Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri revealed that winger Riyad Mahrez was withdrawn as a precaution after picking up a first half injury against AFC Bournemouth. 

The Foxes drew 1-1 at Vitality Stadium against the Cherries, but concerns were raised after in-form winger Mahrez was replaced by Shinji Okazaki at half time. 

Speaking after the match, Ranieri confirmed that Mahrez didn’t emerge for the second half as a result of a back injury suffered inside the first minute of the match. 

The Algeria international took a heavy knock during a challenge with Bournemouth winger and former Fox Max Gradel out near the right touchline, which will now be assessed. 

Ranieri said: "We changed Riyad at half-time because he took a kick very early in the game and after that, in the battle, he could not play at full speed. 

"I wanted us to keep pressing forward, so we replaced him as a precaution."