Leicester City

Brendan Rodgers has been speaking to the media as Leicester prepare for their rearranged Premier League fixture with Tottenham at the King Power Stadium on Wednesday.

Here are the key lines from the Foxes manager:

• Caglar Soyuncu, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, James Justin, Ayoze Perez, Boubakary Soumare and Patson Daka are all looking to be included in the squad for the game against Spurs.

• Defender Timothy Castagne will be out for eight to nine weeks after having an operation due to a thigh issue.

• On James Justin's long road to recovery following a knee ligament injury almost a year ago, Rodgers said the 23-year-old has worked "so hard" and looks "brilliant" on the training field, but the club will manage the full-back's comeback carefully. "It's like having a new signing" added Rodgers.

• The Foxes boss said "the rules are clear" when it comes to postponed fixtures and there has been "enough clarity" given by the Premier League. Rodgers said clubs have to accept the schedule "will be tight" in the second half of the season to accommodate so many postponed games.

• However, Rodgers did acknowledge that Leicester only playing two games in three weeks - the FA Cup tie with Watford and the league win over Liverpool - has helped players come back into the side.

• On opponents Tottenham, he said manager Antonio Conte had given the club a "stable base" and Spurs were a "very good team, with very good players".

Image source, Getty Images

Chris Forryan, Leicester Till I Die, external

Another transfer window and, according to the media, Leicester will once again be left with a five-a-side squad as all our best players are cherry picked by the so-called 'big six'.

Trouble is this time they might be right in regard to one certain player – Youri Tielemans.

We have been in contract negotiations now for 12 months. Something tells me he’s not going to sign, unless a miracle happens and we end the season in the top four.

He’s an international for the number one country on Fifa’s list - of course he wants to play at the top level. As Leicester fans we respect that, and him, and here’s why...

He committed to us after his loan spell when he could have gone to the likes of Manchester United.

He is still giving us 110% - just look at the way he not only celebrates a goal but also when he wins a throw-in. Oh, and he also scored a mildly important goal for us at Wembley.

But like I say he is giving us his all. Unlike Kante, he hasn’t disappeared at the first flash of a big wage slip. Unlike Drinkwater, he hasn’t driven down and parked outside a club hoping for a move. And unlike Mahrez, he hasn’t disappeared and missed games, holding his mobile waiting for a call from his agent while sitting at Paris Airport.

So, I believe Tielemans will wait until the summer to move and have his pick of the teams depending on their European qualification.

One more thing... we paid £40m for him so whatever you are going to offer, I’d start at about £65m or be laughed out the office.

Image source, Getty Images

We've been asking you to give your thoughts on which players Leicester should sign, keep or sell.

Here's what you have been talking about so far:

Padraig: We should be looking at signing a top quality centre-back, as Evans is prone to injury as he gets older. I'm also not convinced that Soyuncu is Premier League standard. Also need to be looking at a midfielder to replace Youri who will definitely be leaving. No need for another forward as Daka and Nacho are excellent players. Sign Lookman permanently as he's class.

Steve: It's all very quiet. Are we looking at anyone? I believe we need a little more depth of strength in squad and certainly at least two players should be released ASAP.

Give us your views on the Foxes' ins and outs here

Leicester City are planning for the departure of Belgium midfielder Youri Tielemans, 24. (Mirror), external

Want more transfer news? Read Monday's full gossip column

Leicester host Tottenham in their rearranged Premier League fixture on Wednesday, but who will make it into Brendan Rodgers' starting XI as his side face growing injury concerns?

The Foxes are seeking back-to-back league wins for the first time since October, so which players will get the job done?

It's time to choose your Leicester team to face Spurs

Leicester are reportedly planning for the departure Youri Tielemans, with Arsenal keen on signing the Belgian midfielder.

The Telegraph's Luke Edwards says the Foxes have little power to try and convince Tielemans to stay.

Speaking on the Transfer Gossip Daily podcast on BBC Sounds, he said: "When you hear he has 18 months left on his contract this is the moment when a club like Leicester find themselves in shark-infested waters.

"They’ve got a really talented player, a wonderful bit of recruitment from Leicester, but they get to a point when the player outgrows the football club. It saddens me that it happens but it’s just one of the natural laws of football.

"Tielemans, for me, is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League. He probably walks into all but Manchester City’s team and possibly not Liverpool’s but all of the other big clubs will want him and clubs with bigger budgets than Leicester.

"Leicester have had to do this before so before we get too sad, we have to remember it’s such a slick operation at Leicester. When they sold Mahrez they used some of the money to bring Tielemans in. They coped with the loss of Maguire and Kante when you think they are going to fall apart.

"I think you’ll be talking £40m or £50m and they can use the money to rebuild and refresh the squad. It is sad but it’s just the way it is in Premier League football that these sharks are able to snap up their prey from the smaller clubs."

Hear more on the latest transfer rumours on BBC Sounds

Leicester were the 19th-highest spenders in Europe on international transfers in 2021, new data published by football's world governing body Fifa shows.

Of the 20 European clubs to spend the most in 2021, 10 were from England.

The Foxes' noteable international transfers included Patson Daka's arrival from Red Bull Salzburg, as well as signing Boubakary Soumare from Lille.

Read more on the clubs that dominated international transfer spending in 2021

Image source, Getty Images

Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl says the Premier League has "opened the door" for fixture postponements after Burnley's game against Leicester was called off.

Hasenhuttl has criticised the lack of transparency around matches being cancelled and he reiterated his thoughts on player eligibility for rearranged fixtures.

"The Premier League has opened the door and they cannot be surprised if someone is walking through it," he said.

"This is why I say that new signings shouldn't be allowed to play in cancelled games when they haven't been there before this game was due to play."

He said he did not know the specific circumstances surrounding Burnley's player availability but said it is a problem the authorities need to solve.

"Everything is speculation and the Premier League has to handle this," he said.

"I cannot say anything about Burnley. They lost a striker - I don't know."

Image source, Getty Images

Brendan Rodgers says his "close relationship" with Youri Tielemans may not be enough to persuade the midfielder to stay at Leicester City.

Tielemans, who joined the Foxes for a club record £35m from Monaco in 2019 and has 18 months left on his contract, has been linked to a move with Arsenal during the January transfer window.

"He is at an age and at a stage in his contract where he has to ensure he looks at every option," said Rodgers.

"I would love it to be here at Leicester - that is natural - but I understand it's a very short career."

Tielemans has flourished under Rodgers' guidance and scored the winning goal in the FA Cup final against Chelsea last season.

Rodgers added: "We have a close relationship, it's really strong. I made a commitment to him when I first came in that we would improve him as a player and he believes in the environment.

"Once the player is committed, focused and professional it's never a worry for me. With Youri, you can see his joy of being here. He loves being here and you have to respect these guys' careers are short."

Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers hopes to make 24-year-old winger Ademola Lookman's loan move from RB Leipzig permanent. (Leicester Mercury), external

Midfielder Youri Tielemans appears to be on Arsenal's seven-man list of midfield targets. (Mirror), external

Want more transfer news? Read Friday's full gossip column

Which players should you get rid of because of injury? And who is best to get into your side for the Double Gameweek?

Alistair Bruce-Ball, Chris Sutton and the Statman Dave bring you the answers - and much more - in this week's Fantasy 606 podcast.

This week they’re joined by Ryan and Mark from the Football Fanalytics podcast to look at how expected goals and expected threat can influence fantasy football.

Remember, the deadline for this week is 18:30 GMT on Friday.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

• Burnley have won just one of their past 20 Premier League games (D8 L11), a 3-1 victory against Brentford in October. However, the Clarets are unbeaten in four Premier League home games, winning one and drawing three.

• Leicester City have won three of their five Premier League games at 3pm on Saturday this season, with the exceptions being a 1-0 loss to Manchester City and a 2-2 draw in their reverse fixture against Burnley.

• Burnley’s past two Premier League games have ended in 3-1 defeats, against Manchester United and Leeds United respectively. They last conceded 3+ goals in three consecutive league games back in November 2018.

• Burnley are averaging just 39.6% possession, and 323 passes per game in the Premier League this season – both are their lowest averages across a single campaign in the competition.

• Leicester have earned just four points from their past five away league games against Burnley (W1 D1 L3), having earned 12 points from their previous five visits before this (W4 D0 L1).

Image source, PA Media

Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers showered praise on his patched-up team for their performance against Watford in the FA Cup last weekend, saying: "If Saturday had been my last game as a manager, I'd have been so happy."

As a result of Covid-19, injuries and players away at the Africa Cup of Nations, Rodgers was forced to name a host of young players in his squad but saw them run out comprehensive winners.

"I'm always optimistic when I put in young players because I feel they can do well but to to see them go and play like that was brilliant," he said.

"Apart from winning, my top priority is teaching and coaching and seeing young players develop.

"I gave them the opportunity against Watford and it gave me great joy to see how they took it."

Where do you think Leicester need to strengthen in the transfer market? Let us know your thoughts over here

Image source, Getty Images

Brendan Rodgers says the imminent return of defender James Justin is a "huge plus" as Leicester's injury crisis begins to ease.

The Foxes have played the second-fewest games in the Premier League as a result of Covid-19 and injuries and had only eight senior players fit for the ultimately postponed game with Everton on Tuesday.

Justin's return from a cruciate knee ligament injury is a big boost for Rodgers, who also hopes to welcome back Patson Daka, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Luke Thomas and Caglar Soyuncu for Saturday's game at Burnley.

"James has looked very strong in training and to have him back is a huge plus," said Rodgers. "He has been a big miss for us in so many ways.

"He's a strong player who will really help our team. I'm delighted he's available again."

Justin came through 45 minutes for Leicester U23s against Chelsea last Saturday and Rodgers thinks he is likely to make the bench for the trip to Turf Moor.

Where do Leicester need to strengthen in the transfer window? Have your say here

Joe Bradshaw, BBC Sport

Brendan Rodgers has been speaking to the media before Leicester’s game at Burnley on Saturday.

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Rodgers is delighted to have five players returning for selection after the midweek game with Everton was postponed due to having only eight fit senior players. Patson Daka, Luke Thomas, Caglar Soyuncu, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and James Justin are all in contention.

• There is “nothing imminent” with regards to new signings but says the club are working on it. In-demand Youri Tielemans is “one of the best midfielders in the league” and Rodgers hopes he signs a new deal.

• On having to postpone games and giving appearances to young players: “We acted according to the rules and it’s not as if I’m a coach who doesn’t want to play young players. But the time has to be right and if I don’t play them it’s because they’re not ready either from a football or mental perspective.”

• Burnley will still be a tough challenge despite the exit of striker Chris Wood to relegation rivals Newcastle: “Sean Dyche and his team have done an incredible job and they will have a plan for who is next up. They have really good players and play really good football – we have to prepare for a tough game.”

Image source, Getty Images

Burnley welcome Leicester City to Turf Moor on Saturday having been denied an important three points in September in the reverse fixture.

Jamie Vardy was at the centre of everything, getting his name on the scoresheet three times, albeit the first being an inadvertent flicked header into his own goal in the opening minutes.

He made amends midway through the first half when he fired home from Youri Tielemans' through ball but the Clarets were instantly in front again through impressive summer signing Maxwel Cornet's emphatic finish.

Second-bottom Burnley looked to be holding out for their first win of the season but Vardy showed his enduring sharpness to round Nick Pope with five minutes left and rescue a point.

It was five goals in six games for Vardy who heads to Turf Moor as the Premier League's third top scorer and keen to put a dent in Burnley's survival bid.

Arsenal are targeting Leicester's Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans, 24. (Goal), external

Want more transfer news? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Image source, Getty Images

Leicester have announced defender Filip Benkovic has left the club, with the remainder of his contract being terminated by mutual agreement.

The 24-year-old Croatian departs the Foxes having made only two senior appearances since joining from Dinamo Zagreb in August 2018 on a five-year deal.

He spent the 2018-19 season on loan at Celtic and went on to have further loan spells at Bristol City, Cardiff and Belgian side OH Leuven.

Benkovic made his Leicester debut as a substitute in a 4-0 Carabao Cup success over Fleetwood shortly after joining the club, and also started their 2-0 FA Cup third-round win over Wigan in January 2020.