Claude Puel has backed Riyad Mahrez to rise to the occasion of facing Chelsea in the FA Cup quarter-final to put Leicester a step closer to earning silverware.
Mahrez has returned to form after missing two games following the collapse of his prospective transfer to Manchester City and Puel believes the Algerian is motivated to perform against last season’s champions.
Mahrez has scored two superb goals in as many matches, as well as providing a fine assist for Jamie Vardy’s goal-of-the-season contender against West Bromwich Albion.
Pep Guardiola is said to still be monitoring the 27-year-old with a view to a potential summer move and the visit of Chelsea to the King Power Stadium today provides Mahrez with an opportunity to reaffirm his talent.