The inside story on 'depressed' Riyad Mahrez with Leicester wary of punishing AWOL star
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Claude Puel plans to speak to Riyad Mahrez when the Leicester star has “cleared his head” after confirming he is not available for tomorrow’s Premier League clash with Swansea.
The Algerian is insisting he is ‘depressed’ and in no frame of mind to play or even train for the Foxes after his dream move to Man City collapsed on deadline day.
Mahrez went AWOL earlier in the week and Leicester have refused to confirm if the star was again absent without leave today.
Leicester are insisting they would have sold Mahrez to City had the Premier League leaders coughed up £80million cash on deadline day.
(Image: Getty Images Europe)
Puel refused to say whether he has spoken to Mahrez since but believes their relationship can be repaired eventually.
Puel said: “Riyad will not be available for this game. I can say the club we took this decision for the best of Leicester I think.
“We need to respect this decision. I think it is the best decision for this squad.
“We will assess Riyad when he has cleared himself. We know after transfer window it is always difficult. It is a tough situation for us to manage.
(Image: Plumb Images)
“I hope for Riyad he can clear his head and comeback with us because he is a vital player for us and crucial in our play.
“I think his place is in our squad with his team-mates. We need to stay united after all this. This is a situation we need to manage of course.
“I have a good relationship with Riyad and now we have to manage this situation and move forward. He is a fantastic player and the first priority is for him to find the good feeling and he can enjoy his football."
(Image: Laurence Griffiths)
Mahrez first failed to report for training on Tuesday with no explanation.
It plunged Leicester’s preparations for their 2-1 loss at Everton on Wednesday into chaos as Mahrez was in Puel’s line-up.
Mirror Sport heard a first team player referred to the debacle at the training ground as “madness” this week.
But Puel would be willing to welcome Mahrez, 26, back into the fold.
The Frenchman added: “We will meet with his side and the club and not in the public.”
(Image: Getty)
Mahrez could face a club fine of two weeks’ wages worth £200,000 if found guilty of going AWOL.
Lawyers, medics and HR officials are now set to get involved in the row with the star insisting he is 'depressed'.
Unrepentant Leicester believe their valuation of the former PFA player of the year and Ballon d’Or nominee, who has also a Premier League winners' medal and two-and-a-half years left on his contract, was fair after Liverpool paid £75m for Virgil van Dijk and Barcelona £145m for Philippe Coutinho.
It is the second successive window Mahrez has pushed unsuccessfully for a move after leaving Algeria’s national team camp in the summer on deadline day.