Rodgers' Pre-Brighton Fitness Update: Maddison
- Leicester City face Brighton & Hove Albion at AMEX Stadium on Saturday (3pm kick-off)
- Brendan Rodgers says James Maddison (calf) is available for selection for the Foxes
- Maddison made his first appearance for England in a 7-0 win over Montenegro last week
- Rodgers also provides an update on the fitness of midfielder Matty James (Achilles)
Leicester City head to AMEX Stadium on Saturday to contest their 13th fixture of the 2019/20 Premier League campaign, currently occupying second place in the top-flight standings.
The Foxes have won their last five fixtures in all competitions, while Maddison was awarded his maiden cap for England’s seniors in last Thursday's 7-0 win over Montenegro at Wembley.
Discussing Maddison’s fitness, after his missed the 4-0 win at Kosovo on Sunday, Rodgers revealed the 22-year-old has been training with his team-mates at Belvoir Drive this week.
“James is fine,” the Northern Irishman told the national media on Thursday afternoon. “He’s trained the last few days so he’s okay.
“We’re all very happy for James. If you look at his numbers, goals scored and created… he’s a big game player. He’s scored against Liverpool and Tottenham.
“If I look at his numbers in that area, he’s up 50 per cent, in terms of pressing and intercepting, making blocks.
“That puts him alongside Jordan Henderson, who’s a brilliant player, and James ranks alongside him and one or two other players.
“If you tag onto that his creative side, you have a fantastic player.”
Rodgers also confirmed all of the Club’s international contingent returned fully fit ahead of a busy festive period, while also updating on Matty James’ return from an Achilles injury.
“They’ve come through two games for their countries,” he added. “We just gave them a lighter day today, but they’re fit and fine.
“The whole squad is fit. Matty James is back in training, he’s a fabulous player, so hopefully he can get a bit of luck, so it’s just about developing his football fitness.
“I don’t want to put any specific time on it for Matty because it’s been a difficult road for him. From a tactical perspective, he understands what we’re looking for.
“Before coming in, I knew he was a really gifted player. He’s been out for such a long time, he’s back in with the training group now, so we’ll build up his football fitness for now.
“He’s a real joy to work with and if we can keep him clear from injuries, that would be great.”
All times GMT.