Jamie Vardy among four Leicester stars left at home for Europa League trip to Zorya Luhansk

Jamie Vardy has been given a breather from Leicester’s Europa League clash at Zorya Luhansk on Thursday as Ricardo Pereira prepares to make his long-awaited return.

With the Foxes’ place in the last 32 already secured, boss Brendan Rodgers decided to leave Vardy, Kasper Schmeichel, Jonny Evans and Youri Tielemans at home – but Pereira is expected to play his first senior match since damaging cruciate knee ligaments against Aston Villa in March, the final game before coronavirus halted the Premier League.

Wilfred Ndidi and Caglar Soyuncu are also expected to feature after recovering from injury and Rodgers said: ‘Ricardo is really excited about coming back and we’ll look to get him up to about 75 minutes against Zorya.

Jamie Vardy is among four Leicester stars left at home for Leicester’s Zorya Luhansk clash

However, right-back Ricardo Pereira is in line to make his comeback from a long-term injury 

Pereira has not played since damaging cruciate knee ligaments in March against Aston Villa

‘He has already played an Under-23 game and now he takes another step up. He is one of the best full-backs in Europe. 

‘First and foremost his defending is very good and then when he goes forward he is like a winger who can pass, dribble and score.

‘Caglar Soyuncu is one of the top centre-backs in the league and we’ve missed his power and speed. 

‘Wilfred is one of the best defensive midfielders in Europe. I’m excited to have them available again.

‘We’ve had to adapt our game in the early part of the season because of the injuries but having these players back will make us super-competitive.’

Brendan Rodgers’ side have already secured their passage to the Europa League last-16

First-choice goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel will also be left in England for the trip to Ukraine