Leicester City duo ruled out of Crystal Palace game

Leicester City duo Shinji Okazaki and Kasper Schmeichel have been ruled out of the Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace.

Both the players sustained ankle injuries in the 2-1 defeat to Burnley, missing the next game against Southampton, too.

Leicester City were optimistic of the two returning back in time for the trip to Selhurst Park, but Claude Puel has now confirmed that they’d be unavailable on Saturday.

However, the boss feels that the injuries to two of his side’s most important players will present a good opportunity to someone like Ben Hamer, who made his first start in over three years against Southampton.

"“Kasper is still injured, like Okazaki,” said Puel.“They are both not available for the game.“Some injury allows other players to play and show their quality, and sometimes it can be a good thing.“We want all players to be available but it is a good opportunity for players to play and to give their best, like Ben [Hamer] did in the last game."

Leicester City won’t be as bothered by the injuries at the moment, as it’s only a matter of time before Schmeichel and Okazaki are back. What’s the main concern now is how do the Foxes get a much needed win against an inspired Palace in their own backyard?

Remember, Leicester have already been beaten 3-0 by the Eagles this season, and the way they have been playing lately, we may see a similar result. The main problem for Puel’s side has been the inability to maintain the tempo and the ability to not capitalise on a period of domination in a game.

Next: Claude Puel fighting to save his job at Leicester City

Every week, we see them make a slow start, concede a goal or two, follow it up with a late Jamie Vardy goal and then have the opponent on their toes for the last ten minutes, only to get beaten or share the points.

Certainly, it can’t all be a manager’s fault? If yes, what are the players there for?