'It's The Same' - Cooper's Pre-Everton Squad Update

- Leicester City entertain Everton at King Power Stadium on Saturday (3pm kick-off)
- Manager Steve Cooper has confirmed there's no new injuries in the squad
- Odsonne Édouard is available for selection for the first time
- Cooper also discussed Jamie Vardy's 'motivated' approach to training

The Toffees are due in the East Midlands for a 3pm Saturday kick-off in the Premier League with both sides still searching for their first league victory of the campaign. City, though, have two points to their name, unlike Sean Dyche's men.

With Odsonne Édouard available to make his debut for the Club, after the Deadline Day signing sat out last week's 2-2 draw at parent club Crystal Palace, there no new concerns within the squad, Cooper says.

"It's the same as last week," the Manager told the media. "No real changes. There's a couple of bumps and bruises after the game as normal. The guys who have been out for a while are recovering and on track but, otherwise, we’re as we were."

On Édouard's first weeks in Leicestershire, Cooper added: "It’s felt like a little while that he hasn’t been able to play with the international break and the first game being against his parent club.

"That's also allowed for him to develop his relationship with his team-mates and the staff, to understand how we want him to play and his role within it. He adds another level of experience to the attacking part of the pitch. He’s played mainly as a no.9. He can play in some slightly different positions at the top end of the pitch.

"I’ve talked about having a variety of options, different profiles, so we can select wisely for each and every game. Odsonne is another example of that. I’ve enjoyed working with him and it’ll be great to get him involved sooner rather than later."

Jamie Vardy, on the other hand, has proven to be instrumental for the Foxes once again this term, netting two goals already. Managing his fitness, especially after an injury-hit pre-season, has been crucial, the Manager says.

"He's really, really hungry to be fair, really motivated," Cooper added. "We feel like we’re working well with him. You have to involve him in the process with his age and the stage he’s at in his career in terms of what’s right for his preparation.

"He loves training. He loves being involved with the team, he gets excited for matchdays, and you can see in his game that he’s really motivated. His preparation for games is key for him to allow him to be at his very best in every aspect for games. There's no doubt he’s had a good start to the season, particularly on the back of a very indifferent pre-season where he missed most of it through injury.

"He’s been able to deliver for us while getting himself fully up to speed with his training load. Let's hope he can keep it going for him because, when he’s on it like he has been in games, he’s still a massive threat."