Claudio Ranieri ready to unleash Leicester's record signing Islam Slimani against Liverpool

Leicester City's Islam Slimani could make his Premier League debut against Liverpool on Saturday (10 September). Slimani, 28, became the Premier League champions' record signing on transfer deadline day, signing a five-year contract in a move reportedly worth £29m.

The former Sporting Lisbon star was on international duty with Algeria on Sunday in a 6-0 win over Lesotho, a game where his Foxes teammate Riyhad Mahrez stuck twice, but Claudio Ranieri expects him to be ready for the visit of Jurgen Klopp's side.

"A lot of my players go around the world without playing but it is good. They recover a little more. Slimani arrives this evening or tomorrow. I didn't see him yet, but he is available for Saturday," Ranieri told a press conference on Thursday afternoon, Reuters report.

"He could play. We bought him because we believe in his ability. It is important he understands the Premier League. He cost a lot of money but if you see the market it is a crazy market."

Kasper Schmeichel had been an injury doubt after undergoing a hernia operation which saw him miss Denmark's World Cup qualifying clash with Armenia on Sunday. The 29-year-old however has made a quick recovery and is set to return in goal on Saturday, although summer signing Nampalys Mendy and Jeffrey Schlupp are still nursing injuries.

"Nampalys needs more or less one week. Schlupp is very, very close to coming back. Schmeichel is ready to play."

Leicester picked up their first win of the season just before the international break after a 2-1 win over Swansea City at the King Power Stadium. The Foxes had suffered an opening day defeat to Hull City before they were held to a goalless draw to Arsenal at home.