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Harry Maguire is on his way back to fitness and that is great news for Leicester City, but manager Claude Puel says he will give no guarantees that his star defender can walk straight back into the side.

Maguire has been out since injuring his knee at Cardiff City but in his absence City have an impressive defensive record, conceding just one goal in their last four games.

The England international has been superb for City since joining from Hull City at the start of last season, but Puel believes he doesn’t need to rush Maguire back into action as he has been pleased with the performances of experienced duo Wes Morgan and Jonny Evans, and young £19 million signing Caglar Soyuncu.

“Everyone knows Harry's qualities and his importance to the squad,” said Puel.

“But he most important thing for me is I want a squad with players close between themselves with quality.

“We have to give some game-time to other players to give them game-time and confidence and motivation to continue with us.

“It was a good opportunity for Wes, Jonny Evans and Soyuncu to show their quality. It is a good thing and I am happy with this.

“If we want to perform regularly with consistent quality we need players ready with a good attitude.”

To emphasise the importance of having players ready to step in at short notice and perform, City are ranked third in the Premier League for the best impact from their substitutes.

Puel may need to call in several players who have not played much this season at Fulham on Wednesday night as several of his senior players are struggling with injury, including Jamie Vardy.

“The most important thing is to have players with a positive attitude and happy to help their team-mates and the team from off the bench we need them,” added Puel.

“It is important to keep our confidence with all the squad so when they get game time they are motivated and hungry.

“At the moment we change the team or the system to try to bring a new strength and freshness and to get the result, and also to keep a good result.

“The most important thing with subs when they come on is they must bring their quality because the squad has a positive attitude between themselves.

“We have a squad with togetherness, close between themselves. This is the strength of the team.”