Claude Puel 'to drop Jamie Vardy for West Ham United clash'

Claude Puel has reportedly made the decision to leave Jamie Vardy out of Leicester City's starting lineup for Saturday's home match with West Ham United.

The 31-year-old, who had a shortened summer break due to his World Cup commitments, has netted just once from open play in his last seven games for the Foxes.

Despite Puel publicly backing the English striker to rediscover the form that has seen him net 60 top-flight goals since the start of the 2015-16 season, The Telegraph claims that the under-fire boss is to take a huge gamble by leaving him on the bench against West Ham.

Vardy is fit to play a part in the match, having returned to training on Thursday after coming off ill against Arsenal earlier in the week, but Puel intends to tweak his forward line.

The same report indicates that the former Fleetwood Town ace has been left "stunned" by his manager's decision, which could be make-or-break for the Frenchman.