Riyad Mahrez back in training 'with a smile' after self-imposed exile, insists Leicester boss Claude Puel
- Riyad Mahrez returned to the Leicester side against Manchester City
- He enjoyed a 10-day period of leave after failing to secure deadline day move
- Algerian in contention to start FA Cup home tie with Sheffield United on Friday
Riyad Mahrez has returned from his self-imposed exile a better player, according to Leicester manager Claude Puel.
The midfielder was back in the Leicester squad last weekend against Manchester City after a 10-day period of leave from the club following the breakdown of a proposed move to join Pep Guardiola's team.
He appeared as a second-half substitute at the Etihad Stadium and Mahrez is in contention to start Leicester's FA Cup tie at home to Sheffield United on Friday night after making a positive impression in training.
Leicester boss Claude Puel prepares to unleash Riyad Mahrez in Leicester's defeat at Man City
Asked whether the 26-year-old had returned in as good a shape as before his absence, Puel said: 'I think better.
'He enjoys to play and train with his team mates and he is at a good level with no problem.
'He has come back with a smile. The story is behind him, all the players want to move on.
'It is important to put an end to the talking about Riyad, he came back to the game at Manchester City. We need to move on, for him he needs to kick on, like the team the most important thing is in front of us.'
Mahrez made his first-team return after a 10-day leave of absence from the club
The Algerian was denied a deadline day move to City after they failed to meet Leicester's value
Mahrez made his return in Manchester and when asked about how he might be received back at the King Power Stadium, Puel replied: 'I think it was good reception when he came on against Man City.
'I think the fans understand the difficulties to manage this period. We have stayed united. It is important now, together, to look forward.'
Captain Wes Morgan could be back in the Leicester squad after recovering from the hamstring injury that has kept him out since the turn of the year.
Striker Shinji Okazaki will remain out with the knee injury which forced him to miss the 5-1 defeat at Manchester City.
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