• Claude Puel confirms forward is not available: ‘He will need time’ • Mahrez has not featured since move to Etihad Stadium fell through

Claude Puel has said Riyad Mahrez will not play for Leicester at Manchester City on Saturday. The forward has not trained or played since a move to the Etihad Stadium fell through on transfer deadline day.

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Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Thursday, Puel said: “I think Riyad is not available for Saturday’s game. I hope Riyad can get his head right and come back with us and work hard. The best way is for him to come back and enjoy his football.

“He is a magnificent player and he enjoys his football. He loves his team-mates, and that’s important. He loves to touch the football but he needs to come back right. I hope he can come back with a good attitude and prepared to work, but he will need time and time to be match-fit.”

The Leicester manager added: “It’s important this remains inside the club and private, not in the public. The most important thing for me is to keep Riyad and the club and the fans united and in a good way about this. It is important to keep a good feeling together through these difficulties.”