Huth & Simpson Ready To Return, Says Puel

First Team
25 Jan 2018
2 Minutes
Claude Puel could have Robert Huth, Danny Simpson and new signing Fousseni Diabaté among his squad for the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round tie at Peterborough United on Saturday (12:30pm kick-off).

- Leicester City boss Claude Puel provided his pre-Peterborough fitness update on Thursday
- Defenders Danny Simpson and Robert Huth are in contention to appear at the ABAX Stadium 
- Wes Morgan still needs more time to recover from a hamstring injury, Puel confirms
- New signing Fousseni Diabaté could make his senior debut for the Club in the Emirates FA Cup

The Leicester City manager, speaking to the national media on Thursday afternoon, revealed that Huth and Simpson have made good progress in their returns from injury.

Simpson (hamstring) has been absent since the 2-2 draw with Manchester United in December while Huth (ankle) is yet to appear for Puel’s seniors this season.

“Robert can perhaps participate with this game,” the Frenchman said. “We will see. I think he will come with the squad. Simpson is available also.”

Saturday’s tie at the ABAX Stadium could present the opportunity for Diabaté, 22, to make his senior debut for the Club after one appearance for the Development Squad.

The young midfielder joined the Club this January and featured for 69 minutes during the 4-2 defeat by Oldham Athletic in Round 3 of the Checkatrade Trophy.

“Perhaps he will have some game time, we will see with other players also, but we will pick a team to win the game,” Puel added. 

“I hope we will get further in this competition. He is the right profile with the right attributes. He is learning the Premier League and he has the attributes to be a player for the future.”

However, captain Wes Morgan (hamstring) is likely to miss the Peterborough tie as he steps up his recovery from a complaint picked up against Huddersfield Town on New Year’s Day.

[Morgan] is an important player for the team and, of course, it will be a good thing when he comes back into the team with his team-mates.

Claude Puel

“No date [yet] but good news from his scan, it was good,” the City boss revealed. “He came back in the gym and he played with the ball so he is making good progress.

"He's our captain. We have a good feeling with Wes. He is an important player for the team and, of course, it will be a good thing when he comes back into the team with his team-mates."