Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy says his side are not looking at Sunday’s match with Wolves as a must-win game in the Premier League relegation fight.
The Foxes go into the weekend one place above the drop zone in 17th, five points clear of 19th-placed Wolves.
Van Nistelrooy said: “We know where we are in the table and Wolves as well and the situation they are in and we are in [near the bottom]. For us it is important to continue developing.
“It’s more than where we are in the table and where the opponent it. It is the next step in development in the way we want to play and act and also the reaction to the defeat.”
Leicester have won just one of their last six matches against sides in the bottom three, and Wolves have made a change in the dugout this week, replacing Gary O’Neil with Vitor Pereira.
🔹 Harry Winks
🔹 Mads Hermansen
🔹 Wilf NdidiRuud updates with our pre-#LEIWOL injury news.
— Leicester City (@LCFC) December 20, 2024
Van Nistelrooy said: “Of course you can do some research on what he [Vitor Pereira] has been doing in Saudi, how he has been playing in teams he has managed before.
“Also we can have a good look at what Wolves have been doing over the last month but of course there can be changes made.
“Will it be big change or minor? These are all questions that we have to face and prepare for. We also have to be prepared for some surprises.”
Leicester team news
The big issue for Van Nistelrooy concerns the wellbeing of goalkeeper Mads Hermansen. Hermansen had to come off at half-time against Newcastle last weekend, and replacement Danny Ward conceded twice before he touched the ball.
Van Nistelrooy said: “That is the question, we are still doing everything we can, Mads as well to make it for the game.
“It is a possibility that he can play, that is the good news. It was worrying he had to leave the pitch at half-time. It was immediate assessment and treatment and rehab going on over the week so far. We are waiting to see how today and tomorrow go to see if he can play on Sunday.”
On Wilfred Ndidi and Harry Winks: “Harry this week was fully part of team training so he is available for selection again which is very positive news for the squad. Wilfred is in his rehab, he is not on the pitch so he is not available for selection.”
