Thursday 24 November 2016 14:55, UK
Leicester midfielder Danny Drinkwater has been banned for three games after admitting an FA charge of violent conduct following his clash with Watford's Valon Behrami on Saturday.
The incident, which occurred in the 67th minute of Watford's 2-1 Premier League win at Vicarage Road, was not seen by referee Neil Swarbrick but was caught on camera, prompting the charge. Swarbrick had shown Drinkwater a yellow card for fouling Behrami two minutes earlier.
The England international is now ruled out of matches against Middlesbrough, who visit the King Power Stadium on Saturday, Sunderland and Manchester City.
His absence is another blow in Leicester's faltering Premier League season, with the defending champions just two points above the relegation zone following Saturday's defeat, their sixth of the season.
Drinkwater has started every game in every competition this campaign and his ban also leaves boss Claudio Ranieri short in midfield as Nampalys Mendy continues to struggle to overcome an ankle injury.
The Italian would have just Andy King and Daniel Amartey as available central midfielders while defenders Robert Huth and Danny Simpson are one caution away from bans.
Ranieri remains unconcerned about the threat of suspensions, though, and believes his squad is strong enough to cover Drinkwater's absence.;
"We have some good players, my squad is good. I am not worried about it, when it happens we have the right player," he said.
"He made a mistake, it's right to accept this. That's the law and we accept it. It's much better he continues to train without making anything more. Of course he's not happy but he's OK.
"It is difficult now to say what we miss. Let us play and then after the match I will say 'we missed this, this and this'.
"I hope the players who are involved in the middle of midfield play well, play together and support his absence.
"Drinky is an important player for us but I'm sure the team will react very well."
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