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Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri could rotate squad against Chelsea

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri could rotate his squad for the Premier League game against Chelsea on Saturday.

The Foxes host FC Copenhagen in the Champions League three days after their trip to Stamford Bridge and Ranieri is cautious to get the best out of his players over both games.

"We played seven matches in 22 days," Ranieri said. "I have to rotate a little more my players. I will wait until after training tomorrow."

Danny Drinkwater was not available for selection for England's recent World Cup qualifiers against Malta and Slovenia as he had a groin injury, but Ranieri hopes to have him fit and available for Saturday.

The 26-year-old, who scored Leicester's goal at Stamford Bridge on the final day of last season as the champions concluded their campaign with a 1-1 draw, has used the international break to recover and has resumed training.

"It was a little problem with the groin but I hope tomorrow, I speak with the doctor, he will be OK," said the Italian.

"Today he made everything OK and he trained well and now I want to wait to see if it is OK tomorrow. If the response is OK, it's OK. If no then I say I be careful."

Nampalys Mendy has been absent since limping off during the goalless home draw with Arsenal on August 20 but it seems his ankle injury is likely to keep him on the sidelines for another week.

Ranieri said: "He came back and then after half an hour he left the game. He has a little problem with his ankle. He is fit but just a little twist again and the pain is very strong. I say yes he may be fit next week but we will see."

Leicester had 12 players away on international duty but Ranieri is relieved to see them all return back to the King Power Stadium unscathed, including Japan forward Shinji Okazaki.

"Yes he is back, they are all back fortunately -- the last this morning. It's OK," said Ranieri. "But all the clubs have the same problem and now we have to see who has recovered well and then I choose.

"With the Champions League against Copenhagen on Tuesday I must see who players and decide."

Ranieri also praised the contribution club-record signing Islam Slimani has made since arriving from Sporting Lisbon for €35 million.

The Algeria international has scored three goals in five appearances since the move but his manager believes he can get even better.

"Islam Slimani's impact has been good," Ranieri said. "He's scored goals and now he will improve more. He's intelligent tactically."

Information from Press Association was used in this report.