The transfer saga involving Wesley Fofana is inevitably going to dominate the build-up to this match with Chelsea attempting to sign the defender for a fee of at least £70m.
Nevertheless, both teams could do without the distractions given that they have recorded just one victory between them from their first triple-header.
From Chelsea’s perspective, everything was heading in the right direction after a 1-0 win at Everton and when leading Tottenham Hotspur deep into add-on time of their London derby.
However, a last-gasp equaliser from their rivals was followed by a 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Leeds United, their defeat being deserved despite claims on the contrary by Thomas Tuchel.
Although Tuchel will likely add another three players to his first-team squad over the next week, this now feels like a Chelsea side very much in transition and who are yet to find a solution to their issues with scoring goals.
While injuries in midfield have affected them, that cannot be used as an excuse for Kai Havertz not making an impression in the final third, with only Raheem Sterling performing anywhere near to his ability in that area of the pitch.
As far as Leicester are concerned, they have been heavily reliant on James Maddison, who has netted in each of their games against Brentford, Arsenal and Southampton.
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Eight goals have been conceded at the other end, however, and it threatens to undermine anything that Leicester produce going forward as they bid to move away from the bottom end of the table.
Even if it means accepting a marginally lower fee for Fofana, the East Midlands outfit need to resolve the situation to avoid a scenario where Brendan Rodgers is scrambling around in the transfer market for a suitable replacement.
Fofana will remain out of contention for Leicester, while Rodgers has a decision to make regarding Youri Tielemans as he continues to be linked with a departure.
The Belgian may be recalled in place of Maddison, who Rodgers says “felt a twinge” in training on Wednesday.
