Van Nistelrooy speaks on Pereira's fitness following Leicester return 🗣 | OneFootball

Leicester City look doomed for an immediate return to the Championship, but an unlikely survival bid at least has no new injury concerns, and Ricard Pereira made a welcome return off the bench in the 2-0 loss at Manchester City.

Speaking to the press ahead of his side's must-win clash at home to Newcastle on Monday, Ruud van Nistelrooy offered some insight into the Portuguese full-back's fitness following a lengthy hamstring injury and a setback in the first game of a previous comeback.

“He had a great 20 minutes, Ricardo.” the Foxes' boss said. “Of course, with the injury he has, we’re careful with him."

“He had a hamstring injury after he was back so he missed a game because of that. Now he’s back after two days training only with the first team."

Van Nistelrooy also confirmed another bench cameo is likely on Monday as they manage the 31-year-old's fitness.

“Monday is soon but he’s definitely someone we’re very happy is available and can make an impact on Monday, but as a starter it’s quite early.”

Leicester are currently 12 points adrift of safety with just eight games left, having lost a staggering 14 of their last 15 Premier League games.

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