Leicester's Riyad Mahrez is back in training with a smile on his face, says Claude Puel
Riyad Mahrez has returned from his self-imposed exile a better player, according to Leicester manager Claude Puel.
The midfielder was back in the Leicester squad last weekend against Manchester City after a 10-day period of leave from the club following the breakdown of a proposed move to join Pep Guardiola's team.
He appeared as a second-half substitute at the Etihad Stadium and Mahrez is in contention to start Leicester's FA Cup tie at home to Sheffield United on Friday night after making a positive impression in training.
Asked whether the 26-year-old had returned in as good a shape as before his absence, Puel said: "I think better.
"He enjoys to play and train with his team mates and he is at a good level with no problem.
"He has come back with a smile. The story is behind him, all the players want to move on.
"It is important to put an end to the talking about Riyad, he came back to the game at Manchester City. We need to move on, for him he needs to kick on, like the team the most important thing is in front of us."
FA Cup preparation 💪 🏆
— Leicester City (@LCFC) February 14, 2018
See more pre-#LeiShu pics ➡️ https://t.co/w3TC0cTnut pic.twitter.com/pCDnIFoWLv
Mahrez made his return in Manchester and when asked about how he might be received back at the King Power Stadium, Puel replied: "I think it was good reception when he came on against Man City.
"I think the fans understand the difficulties to manage this period. We have stayed united. It is important now, together, to look forward."
Captain Wes Morgan could be back in the Leicester squad after recovering from the hamstring injury that has kept him out since the turn of the year.
Striker Shinji Okazaki will remain out with the knee injury which forced him to miss the 5-1 defeat at Manchester City.
