Kelechi Iheanacho Absence: Leicester Manager Claude Puel Clarifies Due to Illness

Leicester City manager Claude Puel has clarified the absence of Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho from the club’s recent 2-1 Premier League victory over Tottenham Hotspur. Puel attributed Iheanacho’s non-inclusion to illness but expressed hope that the 21-year-old would make a swift recovery to be available for the upcoming clash against Burnley on Saturday.

Iheanacho, who has featured in nine English Premier League matches this season, comprising two starts and seven substitute appearances, has encountered difficulty securing a regular spot in the starting lineup for Leicester City.

Speaking at the pre-match conference on Thursday, Puel stated, “Iheanacho was ill, but I hope he will be back. We have to be careful. We can watch Burnley, and they’re a different team to last season. The table doesn’t lie. With confidence, they are a strong and physical team. It’s a big challenge for us.”

Leicester City, currently positioned ninth in the league standings, is gearing up to face Burnley, who stands sixth in the Premier League after their recent 2-1 triumph over Bournemouth.

Providing an update on the squad’s fitness, Puel mentioned, “There are no new injuries. Christian Fuchs will come back also to the squad, but Huth and James are unavailable. I’m not just thinking about 11 players because we have to play one game every three days, and it’s not possible to keep fresh. For the squad, it’s important to give game time to other players in the team.”