Claude Puel admits Leicester are lacking cutting edge with Riyad Mahrez still AWOL

Puel was frustrated following Saturday's 1-1 draw at the King Power Stadium, where it was hard to escape the notion that perhaps Leicester are not the same side without the winger

Leicester prevented Riyad Mahrez from joining Manchester City last month (Getty)

Leicester manager Claude Puel admitted his team lacked a clinical edge against Swansea in the absence of Riyad Mahrez.

Puel was frustrated following Saturday’s 1-1 draw at the King Power Stadium, where it was hard to escape the notion that perhaps Leicester are not the same side without the former PFA Player of the Year.

The hosts led through Jamie Vardy’s goal but after Federico Fernandez headed Swansea level early in the second half, Leicester lacked the guile and craft so often provided by Mahrez to respond and had to settle for a point.

The AWOL Algerian, who also missed the defeat at Everton, has not been seen by the club since his proposed move to Manchester City collapsed on Wednesday.

“We created lots of chances with quality and good combinations, a good understanding. It was amazing but without the final the clinical edge, that’s true,” said Puel.

“We had to score another goal in the first half because it was a good period with quality for us, but Swansea defended very well.

“We created a lot of chances and we put them under pressure with all these chances. It was a bit more difficult in the second half and perhaps there was some tiredness but we finished he game strong.”

The draw was enough to see Swansea climb out of the relegation places and continued their revival under manger Carlos Carvalhal, who believes his players are starting to fancy their chances of beating the drop.

Riyad Mahrez has been absent since failing to force through a move to Manchester City last month (Getty)

“We are in a positive moment, we keep the momentum going to the next game,” he said.

“My team showed again that we do not just have commitment, we have the belief we can turn things around.

“We are turning games, which is very important. It means the mental part of the team is very strong at this moment, and the belief, and this will be important come the end of the season.”