LEICESTER City are monitoring the fitness of star striker Jamie Vardy ahead of their Premier League clash with Cherries on Saturday.

Vardy has been managing a hip problem and trained today for the first time this week, although he was omitted from the England squad due to his injury.

The frontman, who has netted five times for the Foxes this season, is expected to be available against Cherries at Vitality Stadium (3pm).

Vardy has started all six of their games in the top flight this season and has scored in the past three – defeats by Chelsea and Liverpool and a 1-1 draw at Huddersfield.

He opened his account with a double in their eventful 4-3 defeat by Arsenal at the Emirates on the first day of the season.

The Foxes currently have four points and gained their only Premier League win against Brighton thanks to goals from Shinji Okazaki and Harry Maguire.

Leicester boss Craig Shakespeare says summer recruit Vicente Iborra, who joined the club from FC Sevilla, is in contention to face Cherries.

Spaniard Iborra, 29, has struggled with a groin problem over the past month but played 90 minutes during City’s 2-0 Carabao Cup third round win over Liverpool last week.

“He is fit to start,” said Shakespeare. “He has trained fully for the past few weeks. He is getting back up to speed and we are pleased with the way he is progressing.”

Shakespeare, speaking at his pre-match press conference, also gave an update on the fitness of Robert Huth (ankle) and Matty James (Achilles), both of whom are recovering from injury.

“Robert is not ready," said Shakespeare. "As I’ve said before, it is a case of one step forward and two back. He was really ahead of schedule.

“He has had setbacks along the way so we need to be mindful of where we tread with Robert.”

On James, he added: “He is in a boot for protection. He will stay in that boot, which will come off in five to seven days and we will reassess it once it comes off.”

Cherries boss Eddie Howe is due to address the media tomorrow morning.