Ranieri Hints At Changes

- The Foxes will be without top scorer Jamie Vardy, who has a groin injury 

- Vardy will not be rushed into a return to action, according to the City boss 

- Matty James and Jeffery Schlupp are City’s only other two absentees 

Leicester City are set for a number of changes to their starting XI for Sunday’s Emirates FA Cup Third Round clash at Tottenham Hotspur, manager Claudio Ranieri revealed. 

The City boss confirmed that striker Jamie Vardy will sit out the fixture due to a groin problem, while the Foxes have two other injuries to consider. 

Midfielder Matty James played 90 minutes for the Development Squad as part of his recovery from a knee injury, while Jeffrey Schlupp (hamstring) is still out of action. 

That could present opportunities for a number of players who have had limited first team, and even the possibility of a Club debut for latest signing Demarai Gray. 

When asked what side he is likely to field on Sunday, Claudio Ranieri told the media: “A blend of players. We will try to do our best. Our mentality doesn’t change. We go there to win. If they are better than us, well done to Tottenham. 

“For this reason I said I want to build a team. A team is all the group. It’s like the League Cup, when we put the other players [in]. We will do the same. I’ll put the players in who didn’t play so far.” 

While Vardy will miss out on Sunday’s FA Cup tie at White Hart Lane, the England international striker could be fit for the Barclays Premier League clash three days later, but will not be rushed back into action according to Ranieri. 

He added: “He’s okay. He trained today and he’s working with the physio. I think he should be ready for the league match [against Spurs]. 

“I said to my physio I don’t want to lose him for a long time. If he’s ready for the second match against Tottenham, okay. If not, Aston Villa.”