Brendan Rodgers says Kelechi Iheanacho's lack of minutes is down to Patson Daka

Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers has explained why Kelechi Iheanacho has not started many games for the Foxes this season.

Iheanacho has struggled for game time this season, with just 267 minutes in 13 Premier League matches. The Nigerian international has started just one league game this season, with his other appearances coming as a substitute.

Although Iheanacho has five more appearances in cup competitions this season, he only started two of those games.

One of the games was the FA Cup clash against Gillingham FC, which saw Iheanacho score the match's only goal. 

Following the encounter on Saturday afternoon, Rodgers was asked why Iheanacho has struggled for game time this season.

In his response, the former Liverpool manager put it down to Patson Daka's performances in attack despite the Zambian international's lack of goals.

“I think it's because of Patson and his pressing and how he has done when he's played,” Rodgers said after the game as per Leicester Mercury. “Obviously none of our strikers have scored a great amount of goals. I put that down to other aspects of their game, rather than them not finishing.

Rodgers also added that Iheanacho's inability to play as a lone striker and lack of pace contributed to the decision.

“He (Iheanacho) has played better in a two, rather than up there on his own. Kel's a specific type of striker. When I have gone for pace, which I normally have through the central area, it's been Patson or Vards who I've played.

However, the former Celtic manager insists Iheanacho remains a good option from the bench for his side.

"Sometimes Kel comes into the game and is amazing and then he'll do something in the same game which is not so good,"Rodgers added.

But despite scoring on Saturday, Iheanacho started Leicester's Carabao Cup clash against Newcastle on the bench. The Super Eagles star came on in the final 28 minutes of the encounter but could not help the Foxes avoid a 2-0 defeat.