“We know where we are,” says Van Nistelrooy

Leicester manager Ruud van Nistelrooy says his team does not view Sunday’s game against Wolves as a must-win game in the Premier League relegation fight.

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

Van Nistelrooy said: “We know where we are in the table and so do Wolves and the situation they and we are in (near the bottom). For us it is important to continue developing.

“It is more important than where we are in the table and where the opponent is. “It is the next step in developing 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 have made one change on the bench 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 do a little research into what he (Vitor Pereira) has been doing in Saudi Arabia, how he has played in teams he has managed before.

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

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

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

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

“It is a possibility that he can play, that is the good news. There was concern that he would have to leave the field of play at half-time. It was an immediate assessment, treatment and rehabilitation that took place over the week so far. “We are waiting to see how they go today and tomorrow to see if he can play on Sunday.”

About Wilfred Ndidi and Harry Winks: “Harry this week participated fully in team training, so he is available for selection again, which is very positive news for the team. “Wilfred is in rehabilitation, he is not on the field, so he is not available for selection.”