“We know where we are,” says Van Nistelrooy


Leicester manager Ruud van Nistelrooy says his side do not see Sunday’s clash with Wolves as a must-win game in the Premier League relegation race.

The Foxes go into the weekend one place above the drop zone in 17th, five points clear of 19th Wolves.

Van Nistelrooy said: “We know where we are in the table and Wolves also and the situation they are in and we are (near the bottom). It is important for us to continue to evolve.

“It’s more than where we are in the table and where the opponent is. It’s the next step in the evolution of the way we want to play and act and also the reaction to defeat.”

Leicester have won just one of their last six games against bottom-three sides and Wolves made a change in the boat this week, replacing Gary O’Neill with Vitor Pereira.

Van Nistelrooy said: “Of course you can do some research on what he (Vitor Pereira) did in Saudi Arabia, how he played in teams he managed in the past.

“Also, we can have a good look at what Wolves have done in the last month, but of course there can be changes.

“Will it be a big change or a small one? These are all questions we must face and prepare for. We also have to be prepared for some surprises.”

Leicester team news

The big issue for Van Nistelrooy concerns the welfare of goalkeeper Mads Hermansen. Hermansen had to come off at half-time against Newcastle last weekend and substitute Danny Ward conceded twice before touching the ball.

Van Nistelrooy said: “That’s the question, we’re still doing everything we can, Mads as well, to make it in the game.

“It’s a possibility he can play, that’s the good news. It was worrying that he had to leave the field at half-time. It has been immediate assessment and treatment and recovery throughout the week so far. We are waiting to see how he goes today and tomorrow to see if he can play on Sunday.”

For Wilfred Ndidi and Harry Winks: “Harry this week has been fully involved in team training so he is available for selection again which is very positive news for the team. Wilfred is in rehab, he’s not on the pitch so he’s not available for selection.”