Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers has shed light on why the Premier League's top goalscorer Jamie Vardy missed his side's 2-1 win over West Ham on Saturday.
The Foxes bounced back after suffering back-to-back defeats thanks to goals from Kelechi Iheanacho and Demarai Gray either side of Pablo Fornals' equaliser.
However, Vardy was a notable absentee for the Foxes in the trip to east London, but Rodgers explained after the match that he'd been left at home after his wife went into labour.
"Jamie Vardy’s wife had a child today, so he’s with her and congratulations to them," Rodgers explained shortly after the team sheets were announced.
Vardy's omission from the squad didn't have any major impact as Leicester City still went on to win the game, but his return in midweek against Newcastle United will be vital as they look to cement their place inside the top two.
The former England international has scored 17 league goals already this season, while Vardy's tally of 29 during the calendar year also makes him the highest-scoring Premier League player over the last 12 months.
Leicester City's win against West Ham came off the back of back-to-back defeats against reigning Premier League champions Manchester City, as well as reigning Champions League winners Liverpool.
It's seen Jürgen Klopp's side - who are still unbeaten this season - open up a 10-point gap at the top of the table in their search for a first-ever Premier League trophy.
While Leicester City's faint dreams of repeating their miracle from 2016 now appear to be over following their last three games, the Foxes are still on course to return to the Champions League in Rodgers' first full season at the club.
Helped by the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester United all struggling to find their feet for one reason or another this season, Leicester City are already 11 points clear inside the top four at the halfway point in the season.
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Source :
90min
