Leicester vs Porto: Ranieri coy over Schmeichel’s chances

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri gave little away when asked if goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel would be fit to face Porto in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Schmeichel, a key member of the Leicester side that won the Premier League title last season, has been sidelined with a groin injury.

“Schmeichel trained normally today (Monday),” said Ranieri. “Let me think tonight.

“You know I decide the night before to see if he’s available tomorrow,” the Italian added ahead of Leicester’s first home top-tier European game in their 132-year history.

Turning to club record signing Islam Slimani, 28, who joined from Portugal’s Sporting Lisbon on transfer deadline day, for around £28 million ($36.3 million, 32.3 million euros), Ranieri said he could continue his goalscoring record against them.

“Slimani good to play tomorrow,” said the Italian.

“He’s a goalscorer against Porto. I’m sure he will be a very good threat to them.”

During his three seasons with Sporting, the Algeria striker scored six goals against domestic rivals Porto in six appearances.