Iheanacho battles Praet and Perez for starting slot vs Leeds United

Kelechi Iheanacho is one of three attack minded players Leicester City boss, Brendan Rodgers is considering as replacement for James Maddison who is suspended for the visit of Leeds United on Thursday in a Premier League fixture.

Iheanacho has started just one game in eight appearances for the Foxes this term and will be hoping he gets selected by the gaffer ahead of Dennis Praet, or Ayoze Perez.

Rodgers says any of the trio could feature on Thursday evening to start as the Foxes are looking to kickstart their season after losing seven of their opening 10 games.

‘We have a number of players who can play that position,’ Rodgers said at his press conference on Tuesday. ‘Kelechi can come in and do that role. Dennis Praet can play that position well.

Iheanacho scored on his only start this season, away at Brighton, while he has only been in the line-up 14 times from 48 Premier League matches since finishing as the club’s top scorer in the 20-21 season.

Rodgers insists he has faith in his Nigerian import to perform, no matter how many minutes he gets on the pitch.

‘I think it’s whether Kelechi starts or comes off the bench, he looks to make a contribution. What I know with Kels is he gives everything.

‘He came into the game [against Palace] and was effective in the game. That’s all we want from the guys off the bench. Can they make an impact?

‘He did that, he had a couple of runs and a couple of moves within the game. If he starts or if he comes into the game, he can make an impact,’ said Rodgers.

The Nigerian has featured more from the bench (106) than from the start (70) in the 176 Premier League games he has played since he made his debut in the competition in 2015.