Mavididi had a challenging afternoon on Saturday as the Foxes continued to lose ground. Despite giving up a penalty to the home team for bringing down Regan Slater inside the box, the 26-year-old found it difficult to have an effect on the game on the opposite side.

Mavididi was left on the field as Leicester attempted to find a winner despite yet another lackluster performance. Since the win over Huddersfield Town on New Year’s Day, the winger has now failed to score or provide an assist from open play.

After the game, Maresca defended the forward’s form but admitted he must improve in one area of his game. “Stephy has to improve. a little bit, his body language,” the City boss said. “As you said, in the first 5 minutes, two or three times, they pushed him from behind and no foul. We haven’t been lucky with this referee. In 2 games, [he’s] probably cost us some points.”

“It’s part of the season where he’s not been at his best. For some weeks, he’s been very good. It’s something normal, when you are in March and you play almost 45 games, between Championship, Carabao Cup and FA Cup. They are human beings and sometimes during the season they can be tired. It is what it is.”

“No [tempted to replace him with Wanya Marcal or Marc Albrighton]. If you remember, after Leeds away, I said it was probably my mistake to change Stephy. So now before I change him, I think more. [Albrighton and Wanya] could be an option. Stephy is always there, something can happen. At least he gave us a good feeling.”