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Claude Puel may rest Harry Maguire for Leicester's game against Huddersfield

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Claude Puel is considering resting Harry Maguire against Huddersfield

Leicester boss Claude Puel says he is considering resting centre-back Harry Maguire in Saturday's game against Huddersfield.

The 25-year-old central defender has played 63 matches in all competitions since the beginning of last season, including seven at this summer's World Cup as England reached the semi-finals and finished fourth in the tournament.

"Harry has played a lot of games, but I will analyse it," said Puel ahead of his side's home game against Huddersfield on Saturday.

"To participate in a competition like the World Cup is tough to come back with good focus and freshness and concentration, this is a common thing.

Harry Maguire was close to getting sent off against Bournemouth
Image: Harry Maguire was close to getting sent off against Bournemouth

"But if I rest him for this game and we lose, I know I will be criticised.

"But it is important to keep players fresh and we must have a good focus about this. Players need to have some protection."

Leicester are looking to bounce back from the 4-2 defeat at Bournemouth last weekend which leaves them 11th in the Premier League with two wins and three defeats from their first five games.

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The Foxes were four goals down at the Vitality Stadium before they scored two late goals and Puel is demanding the players get the defeat out of their system this weekend.

"Of course at the end of the game there was a lot of disappointment," he added. "We wasted good play because we had a good first half. We conceded two goals too easily and it's not good for us.

"We had chances before to score and it was a frustration but now it is behind us and we want to have a good attitude and a good response in our next game."

Ryan Fraser celebrates scoring against Leicester
Image: Ryan Fraser scored twice against Leicester last Saturday

Sky Sports News has learned that a number of Leicester players were angered at the club's decision to drive to Bournemouth last Friday afternoon instead of flying.

The 170-mile journey to the south coast took over five hours with the team coach having to battle through rush-hour traffic but Puel denied it was a problem.

"We are not looking for excuses," he went on. "We are big boys".

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