Leicester City’s pre-season preparations are intensifying with crucial updates on key player fitness as the club gears up for its final friendly against Fiorentina, a vital dress rehearsal before the Championship campaign commences.

Forward Stephy Mavididi is poised to rejoin the squad for the upcoming clash, having fully recovered from a minor groin issue that sidelined him from previous fixtures. His timely return provides a significant boost, especially as he vies for the coveted starting spot on the left wing.

Mavididi’s re-entry ignites healthy competition within the team, particularly with promising talent Jeremy Monga, as manager Marti Cifuentes emphasizes that every player must commit “all in” to secure their place in the starting XI for the season opener against Sheffield Wednesday.

In another positive development for the Foxes, goalkeeper Mads Hermansen is also expected to feature for the first time in pre-season, having successfully overcome groin surgery. His presence will undoubtedly strengthen the squad’s defensive options.

Conversely, the fixture against Fiorentina arrives too soon for defender Ricardo Pereira, who continues to recover from a hamstring concern. While he traveled with the team to Austria, he missed earlier double-headers and remains sidelined as the team approaches the new season.

Manager Marti Cifuentes expressed satisfaction with Mavididi’s recovery and training progress, highlighting the competitive spirit he has fostered within the team. He noted that the pre-season matches, including the upcoming Fiorentina game, have provided clearer insights into player readiness.

The encounter with Fiorentina serves as a crucial final test for Leicester City, allowing Cifuentes to fine-tune tactics and assess player combinations before the demanding Championship season begins. The manager’s clear ideas are now taking shape, guiding the team’s readiness for competitive action.