If there is one player that Leicester City will not want to be injured on international duty, that would be Kelechi Iheanacho.

The Nigerian forward is arguably in the best form of his Foxes career since his arrival from Manchester City as he's scored nine goals in his last 12 games in all competitions, including seven in his last four.

It is that form which has earned him international recognition, having been called-up into the Nigeria squad for the upcoming African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sierra Leone, Benin and Lesotho.

However, according to Goal, the 24-year-old was missing from the first training session as Gernot Rohr’s Super Eagles commenced their preparations for the international clashes.

Whether his absence is injury-related remains to be seen but either way, it should be of concern to Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers.

Iheanacho has been one of the most in-form players at the Northern-Irishman’s disposal in recent weeks.

Amidst a goal drought that has seen Jamie Vardy score just once in his last 16 appearances in all competitions, Iheanacho has shouldered that goal-scoring burden with aplomb.

His strikes have been extremely valuable, too. In recent weeks, the £13.5m-rated forward has contributed to wins against Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League and FA Cup, whilst also playing a huge role in the Foxes’ big victories against Sheffield United and, of course, Manchester United.

The Nigerian also netted a wonderful equaliser as Leicester earned a point in a 1-1 draw against Burnley at Turf Moor.

Should he be injured, this would leave Rodgers with just Vardy as his natural striking option at the King Power Stadium and considering the 34-year-old’s barren run, that will be a concern as the East-Midlanders continue to pursue a UEFA Champions League spot as well as a place in the FA Cup Final.

Rodgers then will surely be hoping that Iheanacho's absence from training with Nigeria is something a little less sinister than it first appears as he won't want to be without his hot-shot forward.

AND in more news, take a look at which Premier League midfielder the Foxes should avoid signing in the summer...