Ranieri To Assess James Fitness

- The City boss expressed his delight at Jamie Vardy being available for selection 

- Danny Drinkwater and Robert Huth are both suspended for the fixture at King Power Stadium on Saturday 

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has revealed he will assess the fitness of Matty James ahead of his side’s Barclays Premier League clash with Everton. 

The central midfielder is yet to play this campaign due to a knee injury he sustained against Southampton in May. 

And the City boss explained that he will assess James’ fitness on Friday, while he also expressed his delight at being able to call upon the services of Jamie Vardy. 

The England international striker has found the back of the net 22 times for City this term and is available for selection after serving a two-match suspension. 

“Matty James is ready and I want to see [how he is] tomorrow,” Ranieri said ahead of Saturday’s match. “Maybe he can come with me. 

“Jamie Vardy is available. It is very important. He is a fantastic player and a fantastic lad. For us it was difficult but I want to say thank you to other players like [Leonardo] Ulloa, who played when we were without Jamie. If Riyad [Mahrez] is our light, Jamie is our airplane, our RAF.” 

Meanwhile, the Foxes will be without the suspended Danny Drinkwater and Robert Huth for the clash against Everton. 

Ranieri added: “They fight all the year to achieve something and they achieve a lot. To be safe then after Europa League, after Champions league, after Champions League groups and then finally the great dream. 

“If they don’t come with me then I am very sad but they will be in our hearts and they will be with us.”