Mixed Leicester City injury news v Newcastle United as key man returns but duo major doubts

Leicester City will welcome back Kelechi Iheanacho for Monday night’s trip to Newcastle United (kick-off 8pm).

The Nigerian striker sustained a groin injury in a 1-1 draw at Leeds United last month, forcing him to miss the last three Premier League matches.

He returned to training on Thursday and is expected to make the visit to St James’ Park, where the Foxes need to maximum points to keep their survival hopes alive.

“Kelechi was in training today and he’ll be in full training on Saturday morning,” Smith said. “Kels has ticked all the boxes he’d need to. We’ve probably had to press the fast-forward button, but it’s needs must at the moment.

Smith also provided an update on Caglar Soyuncu and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Soyuncu won’t feature but Dewsbury-Hall could following an injection in his ankle. Goalkeeper Danny Ward is also a doubt.

The Leicester boss added: “[Soyuncu’s] back jogging but very slowly. The plan is to get him ready for the last game of the season.

“[Dewsbury-Hall] has had an injection into his ankle. It’s a little but stiff at the moment but we’re hoping to have him training on Saturday morning. Ki is probably the biggest worry. He hasn’t trained yet.”

Meanwhile, the Foxes remain without James Justin, Jannik Vestergaard and Ryan Bertrand.

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