‘We know where we are’ says Van Nistelrooy

Leicester coach Ruud van Nistelrooy has said that his team is not looking at Sunday’s game against Wolves as a must-win game in the Premier League to avoid relegation.

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

Van Nistelrooy said: “We know where we are in the table and Wolves and where they are and we are (closer to the bottom). For us it is important to keep developing.

“It’s more than where we are in the table and where the opponents are. It’s the next stage of development how we want to play and perform and how we can overcome defeats.”

Leicester have won just one of their last six games against the bottom three, and Wolves will make a change on the field this week, replacing Gary O’Neil and Vitor Pereira.

🔹 Harry Winks
🔹 Mads Hermansen
🔹 Wilf Patience

Ruud’s changes are pre-#LEIWO injury issues.

— Leicester City (@LCFC) December 20, 2024

Van Nistelrooy said: “Of course, you can make a study of what he (Vitor Pereira) has been doing in Saudi, how he has been playing in the teams he has led before.

“But we can also look closely at what Wolves have been doing in the last month but of course that could change.

“Will it be a big change or a small one? These are all questions that we have to face and prepare for. We also have to be ready to face surprises.

Leicester team news

Van Nistelrooy’s biggest problem concerns the life of player Mads Hermansen. Hermansen had to come off at half-time against Newcastle last week, and instead Danny Ward conceded twice before touching the ball.

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

“It’s possible he can play, so that’s the good news. It was worrying that he had to leave the pitch at half-time. It was a quick assessment and treatment and rehabilitation that’s been going on during the week so far. We’re waiting to see how he goes today and tomorrow to see if he can play on Sunday.”

On Wilfred Really is Harry Winks: “Harry this week was part of the training of the team so he is available for selection which is good news for the team. Wilfred is in his rehab, he is not on the field so he is not available for selection.”