Ranieri expects Leicester’s key three to be fit for midweek

Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri is optimistic that three of his key players will be available for their first Champions League home game,  on Tuesday night.

Kasper Schmeichel missed the 4-1 defeat at Old Trafford, on Saturday, with a muscle issue while Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez were both brought off at half-time.

The Foxes were 4-0 down at the break after a nightmare opening 45 minutes, which saw Manchester United score three times from corners.

Demarai Gray got a consolation goal for the Premier League champions, in the second half, with a thunderous strike, but the game was long gone for City.

(Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

After the game, Ranieri reassured fans that the decision to bring off two of his most attacking and influential players, at 4-0 down, was a precautionary measure.

“I hope tomorrow he (Schmeichel) can train with us,” said Ranieri.

“It was a little problem with his muscle but I hope he is ready.

“I thought it was much better to preserve Vardy and Mahrez for the next match in three days. At that time, the match was gone.”

The Foxes face FC Porto at the King Power Stadium on Tuesday night having beaten Club Brugge 3-0 in their opening Champions League fixture.