Leicester City manager Claude Puel is thrilled with Riyad Mahrez’s fitness despite training just once ahead of their English Premier League clash with Manchester City.
The Algeria international failed to show up at the King Power Stadium after his move to the Etihad Stadium fell through.
The winger had missed their last two games and several training sessions but after returning on Friday, he made a second-half appearance for the Foxes where he impressed despite their 5-1 humiliation by City.
And the French tactician has taken positively from the heavy defeat, looking ahead to better outings following the return of the player.
"I've said a lot of times it was important Riyad came back to work hard in training," Puel told Sky Sports .
"He has maintained good fitness to come back quickly. Now we need to look forward, to move on with all our best players."
The 26-year-old has played a pivotal role in helping Leicester to their current eighth spot in the log, having scored eight league goals and made seven assists this season.
Mahrez will be expected to start the Foxes' next league game against Stoke City on February 24.