Ranieri: Broken bones won’t stop Vardy

Ian Watson

Jamie Vardy: Scored twice against Arsenal despite arm injury

Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri has dismissed any fitness fears over Jamie Vardy linking up with England. 

The Barclays Premier League’s six-goal top scorer has two broken bones in his wrist and has been wearing a cast while playing for the Foxes.

He has been called up for England’s final two Euro 2016 qualifiers against Estonia and Lithuania next week.

Vardy suffered the injury after a fall in September’s 3-2 win over Aston Villa but, ahead of Saturday’s trip to Norwich, Ranieri eased worries over the 28-year-old.

He said: “He has two broken bones but the medical staff have done very well to treat it. He wants to play and doesn’t want to stop because of injury. We agree as long as he is safe, and if the referee says it is okay, then for us it is okay.

“He broke it when he fell to the ground (against Villa). A lot of players want to play on when they feel good. It is not a big problem for the outfield players but for the keepers it would not be possible.

“He is in great condition and deserves to go there (with England). He deserves to be in the squad but it is up to Roy (Hodgson) to choose the players.

“He is very good, he is a hard worker. He presses everyone, works the channels and the space, and he is also very calm in his decision making. He has improved a lot and I am very happy with him.”

Nathan Dyer has also returned to training for the Foxes after a knee injury but will not be available for the trip to Carrow Road.

He missed Saturday’s 5-2 defeat to Arsenal, Leicester’s first defeat of the campaign.

Ranieri added: “Now I want to see a reaction against a very good team. It’s Norwich’s first season (back) in the Premier League again and their spirit will be high.”