Rodgers casts doubt on Ndidi’s availability as Moses promises a different game

The Nigerian international was on the bench against the Gunners, but he could miss the clash against the Russian side on Thursday night 

Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers has said that Wilfred Ndidi could still miss the second leg of their Europa League clash against Spartak Moscow even though he is fit.

Ndidi has not played for Leicester since picking up a hamstring injury in the 2-2 draw against Burnley in late September.

It was initially reported that the injury would keep him out until this month’s international break, but Ndidi made a quick recovery and was on the bench in the loss to Arsenal last Saturday.

However, despite returning to full fitness, the former Genk midfielder could still miss the game against Spartak as Rodgers is cautious of rushing him back to immediate action.

Speaking in his pre-match conference, Rodgers revealed he has not decided if the Nigerian international would play a part in the game, but he should be fit for the weekend.

“Whether (Ndidi’s) going to be available or not for Thursday to put him in, we’ll see,” Rodgers said as per Leicester Mercury. 

“Certainly, he should be ready by the weekend. He’s trained really well, but we just have to be careful and mindful of the injury he’s coming back from.”

Meanwhile, former Super Eagles winger Victor Moses has warned Brendan Rodgers men that they will face a different Spartak at the King Power Stadium on Thursday night.

Both teams played out a thrilling 4-3 encounter in the first leg at the Otkrytie Bank Arena two weeks ago. Spartak looked to be cruising to the win after taking a two-goal lead, but Patson Daka’s scored four times to turn it around for the Foxes.

It was a disappointing result for Rui Vitória’s men, but Moses is confident about his side’s chances going into the second leg.

“We’re looking forward to the game,” Moses said on Filbert Way, via LCFC website. “It’s not going to be an easy game for us.

“We know what to expect after playing them at home. We were 2-0 up and lost the game 4-3. That’s football at the end of the day. We’ve come back with a different strategy.”

“We need to stick together as a team, and it’ll definitely be a difficult game for us, and for them as well. We’re looking forward to it.

“They’re playing at home, they’ll have the advantage, but we’re looking forward to it. May the best team win at the end of the day.”

“I believe in my team, the players and the manager, and we’ll do our best,” he added.

Spartak need to win to stand a chance of qualifying for the next round, while the Foxes could go top with a victory depending on the result between Legia Warsaw and Napoli in the group’s other game.