London (AFP) – Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri gave little away when asked if goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel would be fit to face Porto in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Schmeichel, a key member of the Leicester side that won the Premier League title last season, has been sidelined with a groin injury.
“Schmeichel trained normally today (Monday),” said Ranieri. “Let me think tonight.
“You know I decide the night before to see if he’s available tomorrow,” the Italian added ahead of Leicester’s first home top-tier European game in their 132-year history.
Turning to club record signing Islam Slimani, 28, who joined from Portugal’s Sporting Lisbon on transfer deadline day, for around £28 million ($36.3 million, 32.3 million euros), Ranieri said he could continue his goalscoring record against them.
“Slimani good to play tomorrow,” said the Italian.
“He’s a goalscorer against Porto. I’m sure he will be a very good threat to them.”
During his three seasons with Sporting, the Algeria striker scored six goals against domestic rivals Porto in six appearances.
200+ Channels With Sports & News
- Starting price: $33/mo. for fubo Latino Package
- Watch Premier League, Women’s World Cup, Euro 2024 & Gold Cup
The New Home of MLS
- Price: $14.99/mo. for MLS Season Pass
- Watch every MLS game including playoffs & Leagues Cup
Many Sports & ESPN Originals
- Price: $10.99/mo. (or get ESPN+, Hulu & Disney+ for $14.99/mo.)
- Features Bundesliga, LaLiga, Championship, & FA Cup
2,000+ soccer games per year
- Price: $5.99/mo
- Features Champions League, Serie A, Europa League & Brasileirāo
175 Premier League Games & PL TV
- Starting price: $5.99/mo. for Peacock Premium
- Watch 175 exclusive EPL games per season