Ranieri’s Fitness Update: Slimani, Mendy, Chilwell & Ulloa

- Nampalys Mendy and Ben Chilwell have returned to training, but are not fit for Saturday’s game 

- Leonardo Ulloa is recovering well from a back problem 

Claudio Ranieri will assess the fitness of striker Islam Slimani ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Middlesbrough at King Power Stadium. 

The Algeria international missed last weekend’s clash with Watford, as well as the UEFA Champions League victory over Club Brugge on Tuesday, due to a minor groin injury. 

Meanwhile, left back Ben Chilwell and midfielder Nampalys Mendy have both returned to training, as has striker Leonardo Ulloa. 

“Everybody is getting better,” Ranieri said ahead of Saturday’s fixture. “Today (Thursday) Ben Chilwell trained and Nampalys Mendy trained. 

“Ben Chilwell and Mendy aren’t [fit] because it’s their first training session together and they’re not ready. 

“I think also tomorrow I’ll check on [Islam] Slimani if he’s fit. Kasper Schmeichel also started slowly to move the hand – some movement with the balls. 

“Leo [Ulloa] now is much better. He suffered with his back but today he trained very well.” 

The Foxes will be without suspended midfielder Danny Drinkwater for the clash, but Ranieri has confidence in his squad to continue to play positively. 

“Drinky (Danny Drinkwater) is an important player for us but I’m sure the team will react very well,” Ranieri added. 

“The operation will be the same tactically. Of course it’ll change the individual movement of the players because Drinky knows very well the movement and the others have to make their movement. 

“I hope the players that are involved in the middle of the field play well and play together.”