Thursday 29 December 2016 23:24, UK
Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri says he wants to see a reaction from Riyad Mahrez against West Ham, after dropping the winger on Boxing Day.
Last season's PFA Player of the Year was dropped to the bench for the first time since October 2015 for the defeat to Everton, coming on for the final 26 minutes, but will return to the starting line-up for the visit of West Ham on Saturday.
With the reigning champions just three points clear of the drop zone after a disappointing Premier League campaign to date, Ranieri is hoping the return of the Algerian will spark his side.
"I watched him during training last week and he was a little tired," said Ranieri. "At 10 v 11 at Stoke [a gutsy 2-2 draw with 10 men] he worked hard, so I decided to give him rest.
"He will play the next match and I want to see a reaction, I wait to see a reaction."
Midfielder Danny Drinkwater is another key member of the Premier League-winning side who could be involved from the start against the Hammers.
"Drinkwater could be, because he played 45 minutes [on Boxing Day]," said Ranieri.
"He works well and I think he could start from the beginning."
Ranieri admits the mood around the club is downbeat following last year's heroics and has labelled the visit of West Ham as must-win.
"Yes, we have to turn to 20 points, we have 17 [at the moment]," he said. "We have to win, we have to win, we have to win.
"We are not happy, nobody is happy - the chairman, me, the sporting director, staff, players. We have to react as soon as possible. We have to show all these good things on the pitch.
"The match against Everton was very even and they scored twice. It's unbelievable but that's football.
"We have to react, concentrate 100 per cent and fight.
"When we concentrate, we can show a very fantastic performance."
New customer winter madness offer: save over 40% on your Sky Sports Month Pass, just £20
