Africa Cup of Nations: Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani set for welcome return to relegation-threatened Leicester after Algeria are knocked out of competition
Slimani scored twice tonight against Senegal - but because Tunisia defeated Zimbabwe, Algeria have been sent packing
LEICESTER CITY'S battle to avoid relegation this season has been given a huge boost after Algeria were knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations.
That's because star player Riyad Mahrez and record-signing Islam Slimani will be returning to the King Power Stadium.
The pair both featured for Algeria in their 2-2 draw against Senegal tonight, with Slimani helping himself to a brace.
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He netted his first on 10 minutes, with as cool finish from six yards out. Then the £29million man was set up by his Leicester team-mate to bundle his second over the line.
But with Tunisia defeating Zimbabwe in the other game in Group B 4-2, it means Algeria have been sent packing.
Tunisia and Senegal move into the latter stages of the competition, Algeria and Zimbabwe are heading home.
But that will come as joyful news for Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri.
The defending champions look like they are facing a relegation battle in this year's Premier League, with a number of last season's "stars' looking shadows of their former selves.
On Sunday they were thrashed 3-0 by Southampton in an abject performance, with Ranieri shouldering full blame for the defeat as he had "got the formation wrong".
The Foxes are down in 15th spot in the league standings, with just 21 points from 22 games.
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