Vardy set to return for Leicester’s semifinal showdown

Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers expects Jamie Vardy to return from injury for Tuesday’s League Cup semi-final second leg at Aston Villa.

Vardy missed the club’s FA Cup fourth-round win at Brentford on Saturday after suffering a glute injury during last week’s win against West Ham.

It was initially feared Leicester’s 17-goal leading scorer could be sidelined for several weeks.

But Rodgers revealed yesterday that the 33-yearold was fit enough to be involved at Villa Park as Leicester try to book a Wembley final date with Manchester City or Manchester United.

“He’ll be in the squad,” Rodgers said at his prematch press conference. “He’s worked very hard since picking up the injury in midweek.

“We’ll give it another full day, so we can see how he is tomorrow and decide if he starts or comes off the bench. But he will have a part to play.”

Leicester were held to a 1-1 draw by Villa in the semi-final first leg at the King Power Stadium.

Rodgers, chasing his first final appearance as Leicester boss, would love to have Vardy available for 90 minutes against Villa, but he will not risk the striker’s long-term fitness by pushing him too hard.