‘We know where we are,’ says Van Nistelrooy

Leicester manager Ruud van Nistelrooy says his side are not looking at Sunday’s game with Wolves as a must-win game in the battle for Premier League survival.

The Foxes enter the weekend one place above the relegation zone in 17th, five points clear of 19th placed Wolves.

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

“It is more than where we are in the table and where the opponent is. It’s the next step in developing the way we want to play and behave, as well as the reaction to defeat.”

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

🔹 Harry Winks
🔹 Mads Hermansen
🔹 Wilf Patience

Ruud updates with our pre-#LEIWOL injury news.

— Leicester City (@LCFC) December 20, 2024

Van Nistelrooy said: “Of course, you can look into what he (Vitor Pereira) did in Saudi Arabia, how he played in the teams he managed before.

“We can also take a good look at what Wolves have been doing in the last month, but of course there can be changes.

“Will it be a major or minor change? These are all questions that we must face and prepare for. We have to be ready for some surprises.”

News about the Leicester team

The big question for Van Nistelrooy concerns the well-being of goalkeeper Mads Hermansen. Hermansen had to come off at half-time against Newcastle last weekend, with substitute Danny Ward receiving the ball twice before touching the ball.

Van Nistelrooy said: “That’s the question, we’re still doing everything we can, Mads too, to get to the game.

There is a possibility that he can play, that’s good news. It was worrying that he had to leave the field at half time. It was an immediate assessment and treatment and rehab that has been going on for a week so far. We’re waiting to see how he goes today and tomorrow to see if he can play on Sunday.”

About Wilfred Ndidi and Harry Winks: “Harry has been fully part of team training this week so he is available for selection again, which is very positive news for the team. Wilfred is rehabbing, he is not on the field, so he is not available for selection.”