Lescott, who stepped in at left-back for Sunday’s 2-1 Premier League win over Newcastle, is hitting the gym to stay in peak condition before joining up with the national squad on Thursday.
Manager Mancini has given Joleon and his fellow England Blues a couple of days off after their tough three-game week, but the big defender checked in at Carrington today to tackle a thorough work-out.
He said: “I’ve had injuries in the past and I know what my body needs, so I try to go to the gym as often as I can. But with the schedule as it has been for us, it’s hard to get there as often as I would like.
“So the next few days is a perfect opportunity for me to get in there, starting today - even if it is a day off. I’m not the only one, I’m sure there are other players just as keen as I am to prevent an injury.
I do some strength work - weights with my legs, that sort of thing, and hopefully that can only help
“There’s a lot been said about footballers’ lifestyles, and we do enjoy it! But we are also dedicated and professional - we know how hard we have to work to maintain our fitness levels.”
Lescott’s first season with the Blues following his move from Everton was interrupted by two serious injuries, the second of which in March cost him a place in the England World Cup squad for South Africa.
But he has started five matches this season, and after two games on the bench Lescott was recalled at the weekend for an impressive performance in the left-back role he often filled at Everton.
He said: “My leg’s fine now - I was only out for a week this time, so that’s not too bad. I’ve got back in the team and now I just want to keep myself fit and get a good run of games behind me.”
