Amartey Back In Contention For Brighton Test, Says Rodgers
- Manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed Daniel Amartey is back in contention for Leicester City
- The Foxes welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to King Power Stadium on Sunday (2pm GMT kick-off)
- Amartey has returned from representing Ghana at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations
- There is also a positive update on James Justin after his return from an ACL injury
The Foxes entertain the Seagulls at King Power Stadium ahead of the 2021/22 season's winter break looking to sign off on a high note after a five-game home winning run in all competitions came to a deeply frustrating end against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday.
Following the conclusion of Amartey's Ghana representation at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, the versatile defender could be in line for a Leicester return. James Justin, has also recovered from his first senior action, from the bench, in over 11 months after an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Speaking at LCFC Training Ground on Friday, manager Brendan Rodgers said: "It’s a clean bill of health. JJ came through it really well, so that was great news for us. Thus far, everyone is okay. [Amartey] has come back. He’s worked today and he’ll be available for the weekend.
"He's played in the week. He's travelled back so he'll have enough recovery time and come into the squad."
Several players remain out, including Jamie Vardy (hamstring), Jonny Evans (hamstring), Ryan Bertrand (knee), Timothy Castagne (thigh) and Wesley Fofana (fibula). Kelechi Iheanacho, Wilfred Ndidi and Papy Mendy are also away with their nations at AFCON.
Justin, though, is in contention to appear again for City after playing for over half an hour against Spurs. Midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, on the other hand, has also recovered after needing to be replaced in that clash with Tottenham on Filbert Way with cramp.
"It’s just going to take [Justin] a little period of time to find his level," Rodgers continued. "He’s a man that’s naturally fit anyway. It’s just making sure from a strength perspective and his mentality as well. It’s interesting, I’d seen somewhere that it was only JJ’s fourth game in front of Leicester City supporters.
"That’s incredible if you think of how long he’s been playing for us. To now come back, this is a pretty much new experience for him, he’s getting a feel of his surroundings. We’ll just manage that. He’s naturally fit but we need to monitor it through the remainder of the season.
"He’s a very sensible player. He’s worked ever so hard to get back. Now he’s back fit and looking very strong. The supporters were really glad to see him because they know how important a player he is for us. That was great for us.
"JJ coming back gives us that extra quality and extra experience as well. That's going to be really important for us and Wesley won't be too far away either. Later on, we'll have a few other players."
On Dewsbury-Hall, the Northern Irishman added: "He was struggling to move. He had cramp in both his calfs. He had a calf issue which kept him out for a little period of time. Coming back in, the work he's put in, he was struggling, hence why we took him off.
"He’s recovered well. I spoke to him earlier today. He feels great so he'll be fine for the game."