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Claudio Ranieri says Leicester's fringe players deserve Champions League chance against Porto after leaving host of stars behind

Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri has backed his fringe players to shine in Porto after leaving Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez at home.

The pair have stayed in England along with Robert Huth, Kasper Schmeichel, Andy King and Islam Slimani for Wednesday night's game in Portugal, with the Foxes having already booked their place in the last 16 of the Champions League.

The Premier League champions are two points above the relegation zone and host Manchester City on Saturday, with Ranieri aiming to revive their league season.

It is the first time since January 10 - an FA Cup tie against Tottenham - that Mahrez and Vardy, who has not scored in 16 club games, have not featured for the Foxes.