MX23RW : Wednesday, February 3 15:24:00| >> :120:58665:58665:

Brendan Rodgers: 'Leicester will cope without Vardy and Ndidi'

Brendan Rodgers: 'Leicester will cope without Vardy and Ndidi'
© Reuters
Jamie Vardy is recovering from hernia surgery while Wilfred Ndidi suffered a slight hamstring tear in midweek.

Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers is confident his squad is strong enough to cope with the absences of Jamie Vardy and Wilfred Ndidi.

Both players are set to be out for around another two weeks, during which time the Foxes will play four Premier League matches, including hosting Liverpool at the King Power Stadium, and their FA Cup fifth-round tie against Brighton.

Rodgers said on Friday that Vardy is progressing well and "on schedule" following his hernia operation. The club's top goalscorer underwent surgery last week, having been battling the problem for months.

He is expected to resume training next week and a potential return date, possibly the Liverpool game on February 13, will be discussed.

Rodgers also revealed that midfielder Ndidi suffered a slight hamstring tear during the draw at Everton in midweek, meaning he too is set for a short spell on the sidelines.

"It's the same test as we've had all season when we've had players missing," said Rodgers. "We've managed to get really good results over the course of the season.

"If you shine a light over the course of the season, we have had important players missing. But we trust the squad. You will miss someone of Jamie's ability. He would help any team. I thought Ayo (Ayoze Perez) did very well and we've got Kel (Kelechi Iheanacho) there as well who can come in.

"Thankfully, I've got really bright players. When you have Jamie central, we can penetrate, but it's something where Ayo brings something else.

"He's incredible in the space, him and James Maddison can turn and take you forward. We might have to connect the game with an extra pass instead of getting there in one pass, you might need two or three."

Leicester's first test without both Vardy and Ndidi comes on Sunday against Leeds at the King Power Stadium.

Rodgers has been impressed with Leeds since their promotion to the Premier League and he sang their praises ahead of the match.

"They've been outstanding," said Rodgers.

"I'm a huge admirer of the coach. Marcelo Bielsa's teams always play an exciting brand of football, and it's a style you don't usually see in the Premier League. I'm a big admirer of Bielsa and the job he has done.

"The team have played very clearly in their way in every game. They want to attack, they play without any fear. That's got them some good results, and some games where they have lost heavily.

"But they play in a respectful way. They don't argue with referees so much. They have great integrity in the game. I've enjoyed watching them and preparing to play against them."

ID:432821:cQx

Click here for more stories about Brendan Rodgers

Click here for more stories about Leicester City

Share this article now:
Did you know...?
Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scores against Manchester United in the Premier League on November 1, 2020
Read Next:
Premier League gameweek 21 predictions including Arsenal vs. Manchester United
>
Latest Sports Video
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.

rhs 2.0
Todays Game Header Right
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City20135237132444
2Manchester UnitedMan Utd22135446271944
3Liverpool21117343241940
4Leicester CityLeicester21123637251239
5West Ham UnitedWest Ham2110563127435
6Tottenham HotspurSpurs2096534211333
7Chelsea2196635231233
8Everton1910362924533
9Aston Villa19102734211332
10Arsenal229492722531
11Leeds UnitedLeeds209293536-129
12Southampton218582734-729
13Crystal Palace228592737-1029
14Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2275102331-826
15Burnley2064101326-1322
16Newcastle UnitedNewcastle2264122236-1422
17Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton214982329-621
18Fulham2028101729-1214
19West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom2226141852-3412
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd2232171435-2111

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!