Why Islam Slimani was omitted from Leicester’s Europa League squad

Islam Slimani might be Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester City plan B or C but that’ll only be domestically, as the Algerian has been omitted from the Europa League squad.

Yeah, we might see Islam Slimani banging in the goals for Leicester City in Jamie Vardy’s absence. Or when the No.9 is withdrawn from Premier League or domestic cup competitions, but not in Europe. That means that the Foxes faithful will be deprived of the amazing sensation of the Algeria target man replicating his bullet headers from the Champions League in the Europa League. Bad times, eh?

But is it really an issue? No, not in Foxes of Leicester’s opinion. Even with a plethora of injuries to top Foxes talent – Caglar Soyuncu and Wilfred Ndidi are sidelined long-term, while Ricardo Pereira should be back within six weeks after an extended period out – Brendan Rodgers‘ men should be more than capable of securing qualification from a reasonably drawn group. In the knockout rounds of the UEL, the aforementioned star personnel contingent will all likely be back fit and playing.

Why Islam Slimani was omitted from Leicester’s Europa League squad

If you’re wondering why Islam Slimani was left out of the UEL roster this term, Rodgers explains:

"“The squad had to be handed in much earlier than the Premier League squad. Unfortunately, we thought he [Slimani] was going out [on loan again]. That’s the reason why [he isn’t in UEL squad].”– Brendan Rodgers"

An extra bit of Foxes news for the Blue Army now, as Leicester’s 25-man league roster was announced in the week. Gladly there were no awkward decisions for Rodgers: he’s been able to select every senior athlete for EPL fixtures. Obviously Filip Benkovic won’t be involved because he’s in Cardiff anyway. Although the talented Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who would’ve gained some top-flight experience, is also temporarily at Luton Town so wasn’t included either.