Puel appeals to Mahrez to return to Leicester City duty

Claude Puel has appealed to Riyad Mahrez to return to Leicester City and resume his career.

The City boss again refused to disclose any details about Mahrez’s continued absence after his failed move to Manchester City and declined to say whether he had spoken to the winger or even if he knew the Algerian was in the country.

Mahrez has been missing for ten days after failing to attend training ahead of the trip to Everton and after City rejected the £50 million plus player offer for Mahrez he has not returned to Belvoir Drive, with quotes attributed to the player’s camp stating he is ‘depressed’ and in a ‘fragile state of mind’, words that have forced City to follow strict employment protocol.

Saturday’s trip to the Etihad Stadium will be the third game Mahrez has not been available for and Puel insists details of bringing Mahrez back will be kept secret, but he said the best way for Mahrez to get over his disappointment at seeing his move to Manchester City blocked would be to return to playing.

“I think Riyad will be not available for the game on Saturday,” said Puel. “There is no new news about him.

“I think, and I hope, Riyad can get his head right and come back with us and back to hard work.

“For him the best way is to come back and enjoy his football.

“Riyad is a magnificent player and he loves football. He loves his relationships with his team-mates.

“He enjoys his football and I think he needs to come back and play and touch the ball.

“He loves his football. He needs to get his head right.”

“I don’t want to comment on details about our relationship with Riyad. It is important to keep all the details inside the club and not put them in the public.”

The PFA have offered to act as mediators in any talks between the two parties, which City have acknowle3dged but not requested.

Puel believes when Mahrez does return he will be in the right frame of mind to get back to his best.

“I hope he can come back and work hard sooner rather than later, but we will see,” he said.

“He is a magnificent player with quality a great player. He loves his football.

“He isn’t just playing for work, he enjoys his football and stays after training to work to touch the ball.

“I think he will come back with a good attitude and good work. Of course he comes back he needs time to work and have the good match fitness.”