Wesley Fofana signs new Leicester City contract and gets set to make comeback this week

Wesley Fofana has committed his future to Leicester City by signing a long-term contract – and he could play the first game of his new deal as early as this Thursday.

In a huge double boost to City, the French centre-back has penned a new contract to 2027 and is in contention to make his first appearance of the season at the King Power Stadium this week.

A big hit in his maiden campaign last season, Fofana broke his leg and damaged ankle ligaments in the final pre-season friendly of the summer, against Villarreal.

Now, after more than seven months out, he is being considered for selection as City take on French side Rennes in the last 16 of the Europa Conference League, the 21-year-old preparing for his return with a practice match at the club’s Seagrave training base last week.

His comeback, and his commitment to City, brings a “new dimension” back to Brendan Rodgers’ side, the manager believes.

An excited Rodgers said: “This is a top, top player, no question, at a top level.

“I've worked with lots of young, top talents who have gone on to become top professionals, and I've got absolutely no doubt in this boy.

“When he came out of the team, with all due respect, it was a massive loss for us because of the nature of how I play, defending forward, anticipating, speed, but also mentality.

“I say it in the nicest way, like Jamie Vardy, they have no respect on the field. You watch the top level of the game, it's that devilment. They can be the nicest guys in the world but on the field they have an edge, and Wesley has that.

“It was just a massive loss for us when he got injured. The other guys have filled in manfully and done the best they can, but you've seen with the likes of Liverpool when they are missing Virgil Van