Seven City Stars In Shakespeare’s Fitness Update
- Craig Shakespeare says Jamie Vardy and Papy Mendy are both fit for Tuesday’s Carabao Cup clash with Sheffield United
- The Foxes will be without Wes Morgan (back), Danny Drinkwater (thigh), Kelechi Iheancho (toe), Robert Huth (ankle) and Vicente Iborra (groin)
- Young defender Josh Knight will be included in the squad to face the Blades
England international Vardy was withdrawn late on during City’s Premier League triumph over Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, but is fit to face the Blades.
Midfielder Mendy could also feature, as the Frenchman aims to make his first appearance for the Foxes since February 2017.
“Jamie [Vardy] trained this morning (Monday) okay,” Shakespeare said. “He was a bit sore yesterday, but he was okay to train today.
“Thankfully he’s okay. He’ll be involved, yes. At what length, we’ll have to wait and see.
Tough Cup Challenge For Shakespeare
Craig Shakespeare says his previous experiences of Bramall Lane means his side's clash with Sheffield United will no doubt be a big test.
“Papy Mendy played the other night [for the Club’s Under-23s] and he came through all that, so he’ll be in the squad for tomorrow night.”
Meanwhile, the City boss confirmed Wes Morgan (back), Danny Drinkwater (thigh), Kelechi Iheanacho (toe) and Vicente Iborra (groin) will all miss out.
“Wes [Morgan] won’t make it. Wes still has a slight back problem. I don’t want to take a risk with him tomorrow so he’ll come in and train as normal and hopefully he’ll be okay for Saturday.
“It’s not [the same back injury], it’s a different area. He’s had some physio and treatment on there and he’ll be fine.
“Danny Drinkwater hasn’t done enough although he trained on Friday and Saturday and also trained today. I think we need to get a bit of training in him, so he won’t be in.
“Kelechi [Iheanacho] as well trained this morning, but we need to try and improve his fitness levels. He’ll be training. We’ll have a decent training group and we have a decent, competitive game to play. We’re aware of that.
“He won’t feature. There’s no real major problems which is a bonus. Obviously, when players get discomfort in there, you want that to settle down by giving him a few days off the grass.
“We think we’ve done that and we’d like to push him now to see if he can improve his fitness. That’s the idea of the next three or four days.
Training Exclusive: Sheffield United
The Foxes have been hard at work preparing for Tuesday night's Carabao Cup clash with Sheffield United at Bramall Lane...
“I think it would be too soon to throw him in tomorrow, although I think he would be capable of it. In the squad [to face Manchester United], there’s a possibility, yes.”
While defender Robert Huth (ankle) completed 60 minutes for the Development Squad against Manchester United last week, Shakespeare confirmed the German will not feature, but City youngster Josh Knight will be included in the squad.
“Huth needs a bit more time. I don’t want to push him too soon. He’s done some training sessions and he played 60 minutes last week. He could do with another game before he goes into a competitive first team game.
“Josh Knight is in the squad for tomorrow night. He’s a young centre back or right back. He’s tall, athletic, aggressive and he can play out as well. I was very impressed with him last season, so I’ve drafted him in and he’ll be included in the squad.”