Evans Remains A Doubt, Says Rodgers

- Brendan Rodgers provides an update on the fitness of Jonny Evans (back)
- The experienced centre-back could miss Thursday's UEFA Europa League clash with SC Braga (8pm GMT kick-off)
- City are also without Ricardo Pereira (ACL), Wilfred Ndidi (adductor), Çağlar Söyüncü (adductor) and Timothy Castagne (hamstring)
- However, Rodgers also provided an update on midfielder James Maddison (hip) who is now playing more regularly

The Northern Ireland centre-back has been out with a back complaint, sustained against Arsenal, since that 1-0 success at Emirates Stadium in late October. 

While Rodgers is unsure if Evans will be available to tackle Carlos Carvalhal's Braga outfit this week, the Foxes manager remains confident that he will be contention soon.

That could be in time for Sunday's Premier League clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Rodgers says, but the Club's medical team will continue to monitor the situation.

"We’re going to see how he is a little later on, we’ll give him every chance, but he’ll be a big doubt for the game," the 47-year-old confirmed on Wednesday.

"It’s just from the awkward landing in that game (vs. Arsenal). It’s a part of his back that could click in later on or tomorrow and be absolutely fine.

"He’s still feeling pain with it and Jonny’s the type of player, even if he's not 100 per cent, he'd play through it, but this one effects his running, jumping and his movement patterns, so we’ll have to see.

"I always felt form the medical team and from Jonny that if it wasn’t going to be Thursday, he'll hopefully be okay for Wolves."

Despite injuries to Ricardo Pereira (ACL), Wilfred Ndidi (adductor), Çağlar Söyüncü (adductor) and, more recently, Timothy Castagne (hamstring) Rodgers has been delighted with the squad's response. 

With several players coming in as a result of those absentees, the Foxes have won their last four games in all competitions, sitting second in the Premier League and top of Group G in the Europa League.

"I think we always knew we wanted and needed more players to help the team, but I’m not surprised (by their performances)," he added. "I see the players working, closely, every day.

"Any time a player’s been out and we've asked someone to come in, they’ve been outstanding. I see how hard they work. It’s a group with an incredible spirit which can play with great quality.

"What’s nice from my perspective is to see the development in the time we’ve worked together, their understanding of their roles and the game, and they play with a real confidence and it’s great to see.

"We've had young players coming in, like Luke Thomas and James Justin, and they've been absolutely outstanding.

"Luke Thomas made his first start the other day. He was playing against [Hélder] Costa, who's been very, very good for Leeds this year, but he coped with that very, very well. 

"On the other side of it, there's the likes of Christian Fuchs. He's such a special player. His training mindset, his focus every day, and wherever he's asked to play, whether it's left-back or left-side centre-half, he does an amazing job.

"Wes Morgan coming in when needed [too], Marc Albrighton... and we've already mentioned Papy Mendy earlier. All these players are coming in and doing an incredible job.

"It bodes really well for us going forward because once the players do come back, it creates a real competition in the squad, but also going forward, if there's any more injuries, we have people who can adapt."

James Maddison, on the other hand, is one of the players who has recovered from an injury, to his hip, and is now having a big influence on City's excellent recent form.

Rodgers says patience was key for the England international, who most recently played a key role from the bench in Monday's 4-1 triumph over Leeds United at Elland Road.

"With James, it was just [about] that constant communication," Rodgers continued. "Once he got out on the field in training with the other players, he felt much better.

"He’s a player who loves the game, he loves training, and if you’re a player like that, when you’re injured and you’re not able to impact the team, it can be difficult.

"Now, he looks strong and he started the game over in Athens and came into the game against Leeds. He made a big impact, and he’s a wonderful player for us.

"The key was managing him and getting back to a good level of fitness where he could impact games and how he’s at that good level of fitness."