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Riyad Mahrez trains hard ahead of recall against West Ham as Claudio Ranieri admits Leicester 'have to win'

Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri has called Saturday's clash with West Ham one his side 'have to win' as he prepares to recall Riyad Mahrez.

The Foxes are just three points above the Premier League relegation zone after only one victory in nine games as they prepare to host the Hammers on Saturday.

Last season's shock champions lost 2-0 at home to Everton on Boxing Day, their ninth defeat in 18 league matches, having lost just three times on the way to the title in May.

Riyad Mahrez (second from right) takes part in Leicester training on Thursday morning
Riyad Mahrez (second from right) takes part in Leicester training on Thursday morning
Mahrez will start against West Ham after being dropped for the Boxing Day defeat by Everton
Mahrez will start against West Ham after being dropped for the Boxing Day defeat by Everton

They face fellow strugglers Middlesbrough on Monday and Ranieri emphasized the Foxes need to beat West Ham.