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Team news and stats ahead of Braga vs Leicester City in the Europa League group stage on Thursday; kick-off 5.55pm.
Team news
Leicester head to Braga knowing three points in Portugal would see them reach the knockout stage and their progression in the competition could coincide with an injury boost for Wilfred Ndidi and Ricardo Pereira.
Midfielder Ndidi will miss out against Braga but he could be available for selection when the Foxes take on Zorya Luhansk next week. The Nigeria international has been on the sidelines since he suffered a groin injury against Burnley in September.
Portugal international right-back Ricardo has been absent since March but continued his recovery from a serious knee injury by playing 59 minutes for the development squad this week.
Long-term absentees Timothy Castagne (hamstring) and Caglar Soyuncu (adductor) remain on the sidelines.
Braga, managed by former Swansea and Sheffield Wednesday boss Carlos Carvalhal, will be without suspended defender David Carmo, while midfielder Fransergio is doubtful after recently testing positive for coronavirus.
How to follow
Follow Braga vs Leicester City with our dedicated live blog across Sky Sports’ digital platforms, plus analysis and reaction after full time.
Opta stats
- Leicester will be the ninth different English side that Braga have hosted in European competition – they are winless in their last two such matches, losing 1-3 to Man Utd in November 2012 and drawing 3-3 with Wolves in November 2019.
- Leicester’s only previous away game against Portuguese opposition saw them lose 0-5 to Porto in the UEFA Champions League in December 2016.
- Braga have lost three of their last five matches in the UEFA Europa League (W2), having been unbeaten in seven games prior to this run (W5 D2).
- Leicester have won each of their last three games in European competition and could win four in a row for the first time in their history.
- Leicester’s Kelechi Iheanacho has been directly involved in six goals in the UEFA Europa League this season (three goals & three assists), the joint-most of any player alongside Lille’s Yusuf Yazıcı (six goals).
