Patson Daka is aiming to become Leicester’s record European goalscorer against Spartak Moscow… but Brendan Rodgers could be without Harvey Barnes and James Maddison as sickness bug sweeps through camp
- Patson Daka scored a marvellous four goals against Spartak Moscow in October
- The Zambian is on the brink of becoming Leicester’s record goalscorer in Europe
- But the Foxes camp has been struck by a sickness bug ahead of the return fixture
- Midfielders James Maddison and Harvey Barnes could miss out against Spartak
Patson Daka will attempt to become Leicester’s record European goalscorer on Thursday amid a sickness bug that has hit their hopes of beating Spartak Moscow.
Daka scored all four goals in last month’s meeting in Russia to help the Foxes to a 4-3 win but they could be without both Harvey Barnes and James Maddison for the return game after the illness swept through the club’s training ground.
Victory will keep the Foxes in the hunt to finish top of their group, which would send them straight to the last 16 and ensure they avoid February’s play-off stage.
Leicester’s Patson Daka is on the brink of becoming the club’s record goalscorer in Europe
The Zambian striker scored four times in a 4-3 victory against Spartak Moscow in October
‘I am sure Spartak’s focus is on me,’ said Daka, whose haul in Moscow put him level with Vardy and Barnes as Leicester’s most prolific players in Europe – even though he has made only three appearances.
‘It’s also a great opportunity for other players in the team. If they concentrate on me they are going to leave other players free. Anyone in our team can hunt them so they won’t know what is going to hit them.’
Daka, 23, has scored only once in the Premier League since his £20million move from Red Bull Salzburg last summer as Jamie Vardy remains first choice in that competition.
But Brendan Rodgers’ decision to rest Vardy in the cup competitions has handed Daka his chance and last month he took it in sensational style.
But Foxes manager Brendan Rodgers has been hit by a sickness bug ahead of the return clash
Midfielders James Maddison (right) and Harvey Barnes (centre) could miss Thursday’s clash
‘When you have a special individual performance it makes opponents more attentive,’ said Rodgers.
‘We would love him to get another four goals but if he contributes like he did with and without the ball then I will be happy.
‘We have had Harvey Barnes, James Maddison and James Justin – who wouldn’t have been available anyway – down with the bug for a few days. They are coming round now. If they’re not at their best for this game then they will be back for the weekend.
‘We would love to win the group. If we can do that it means we wouldn’t play again in the competition until March, but the overall objective is qualification.’
Advertisement