The continued absence of Riyad Mahrez means Leicester City travel to Premier League leaders Manchester City on Saturday mired in a crisis created by their hosts.

Mahrez has not featured for the mid-table Foxes, in matches or training, since his dream move to City was blocked by Leicester's demands ahead of the January 31 transfer deadline.

Leicester manager Claude Puel admitted Mahrez would be missing for a third straight game at the Etihad and his presence has been missed as Puel's men have picked up just one point from clashes with Everton and Swansea City in the Algerian's absence.

"I think Riyad is not available for Saturday's game. I hope he can come back and work hard with the team sooner rather than later," said Puel.

"The most important thing for me is to keep Riyad and the club and the fans united and in a good way about this. It is important to keep a good feeling together through these difficulties."

City are also counting the cost of not being able to land the 2015-16 PFA Player of the Year due to an injury crisis and the toil of competing for four trophies.

It was Sane's injury, allied to the continued absence of Gabriel Jesus due to a knee problem that provoked a late attempt to land Mahrez.