Shakespeare’s Fitness Update: Drinkwater, Iborra & Iheanacho
- Danny Drinkwater (thigh) and Vicente Iborra (groin) will not be fit to face Brighton and Hove Albion, says Craig Shakespeare
- Kelechi Iheanacho is recovering from a toe injury and will be assessed prior to the Premier League clash at King Power Stadium
- Robert Huth has returned to training following his involvement with the Club’s Under-23s
- Papy Mendy will play for the Development Squad on Friday night
Drinkwater is currently suffering from a thigh problem, while Iborra has a groin injury – the City boss will take a look at both players early next week.
Meanwhile, Shakespeare has been buoyed by the progress of centre back Robert Huth, who completed an hour for the Club’s Development Squad against Manchester United on Monday.
The Foxes manager told the media on Friday during his pre-match press conference: “Danny Drinkwater and Vicente Iborra are still not fit, although Danny was out on the pitch today.
“Iborra I’m hoping will be out with the squad next week. It’s too early to say at this stage whether they’ll be fit for Sheffield United or Manchester United.
City Boss Assesses His Squad
There were a number of key players in manager Craig Shakespeare's fitness update on Friday afternoon.
“Robert Huth came through an Under-23s game and played 60 minutes. He’s trained since so that’s a big plus for us because we were expecting Robert to be out longer.
“[Papy] Mendy will play for the Under-23s tonight, which will be a big step for his recovery. He’s been out along time but to give him some game time tonight will aid his recovery.”
A late call will be made on whether Iheanacho is included in the squad to face the Seagulls, as the Nigerian continues his recovery from a toe problem.
“He didn’t [train yesterday],” Shakespeare said of City’s No.8. “He’s had a bit of discomfort with his toe, so we’ve taken him out of that. I’ll make a late decision tomorrow (Saturday) morning, but we’ve been able to extend his fitness because of the discomfort he’s got.
“He’s been to see a specialist and we’re trying to give him enough time to recover from it. It’s been very hard because he’s been behind the fitness levels because of his late start with us. We’re giving him every opportunity to get his fitness levels up.
“We’ll make a late decision on that in the morning. He can run but not at full pelt. If he strikes a ball and he catches it wrong on his toe that’s a problem because he’s getting a lot of discomfort. We’re trying to manage that as best we can.
“It’s a natural thing for most players in terms of seeing a specialist in that area. It’s really just a second opinion.”