Science

Okazaki a different player after Japan duty, says Ranieri

Ahmed Musa could feature against FC Copenhagen despite limping off during the 1-1 draw with Tottenham on Saturday.

Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri has urged his side to finish drafting the latest chapter of their fairytale when they do Champions League battle with Danish champions FC Copenhagen on Wednesday.

All the more reason why coach Stale Solbakken is angry that his side had to play a Danish league game on Monday morning (Singapore time) - a 3-1 victory over FC Midtjylland.

Leicester maintained their flawless Champions League record with a 1-0 win at home to Copenhagen on matchday three, whilst their league form has also picked up somewhat since then as they beat Palace 3-1 at home and managed a point at White Hart Lane. We were maybe a bit lucky with the disallowed goal.

"I hope we are up to our level from our three previous games [which Copenhagen won] and if we are it will be a close call".

The Foxes can confirm their place in the last-16 of the competition if they can maintain their 100 per cent record in Europe but Albrighton says the players are not looking too far ahead. We are prepared and we have a fair chance. Typically with Ranieri, those who rang the doorbell were not disappointed.

Claudio Ranieri at this evening's media briefing in Copenhagen

"I put a big bag of chocolates at the door", he said. "I came to the door, went back to my sitting room to watch the television and 'ring!' And I go back. I think it will be a very good battle tomorrow". They are unbeaten in 28 matches unbeaten at home. - Riyad Mahrez has been involved in four of Leicester's five Champions League goals this season (three goals, one assist)."It's just psychological". "I don't want to risk Slimani, the physio told me he is OK but "be careful", so why lose a player for one match?"

Copenhagen last tasted defeat at home in a Europa League qualifier back in August 2015, some 30 games ago.

He said: "I understand everybody wants to win but for us it's important to have everything in our hands".

Leicester City are close to writing a new chapter in their fantastic story, Claudio Ranieri believes. "It's important to be well organised as I respect Copenhagen a lot".

"We are very close to achieving something special".

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Okazaki a different player after Japan duty, says Ranieri