Leicester City have suffered a set-back in their preparations for Friday night’s clash with Nottingham Forest. The Foxes welcome Nuno Espírito Santo's side to Filbert Way on Friday night for matchday nine of the Premier League campaign, following successes over AFC Bournemouth and then Southampton.
Leicester City know they will be without Jannik Vestergaard after the centre back’s current injury flared up during his time on international duty. The Dane started the first two matches under Steve Cooper but has been left out for a variety of selection and fitness issues in recent weeks as Caleb Okoli and Wout Faes have formed a partnership at the back.
The Foxes will be without Jannik Vestergaard after the central defender’s current injury flared up during his time on international duty. Vestergaard, who has not played for the club since August, had a recurrence of his ankle injury after he returned from Denmark duty last week. He had initially suffered the issue in September, but he had recovered in time to play twice for his country, against Spain and Switzerland.
Now back on the sidelines, Cooper has indicated he’s expected to miss a couple of weeks, with the 32-year-old understood to have undergone a scan last Friday. Aside from Vestergaard, there are no fresh injuries for City to deal with, Cooper has said.
“Jannik had a recurrence with his ankle that ruled him out of Southampton,” Cooper said at his press conference on Wednesday afternoon. “That was a setback for him. It shouldn’t rule him out for too long but it was a bit of a pity. He got some good minutes with the national team and it was good to get him back involved but he had a setback when he returned.
“Hopefully it will be less (than a few weeks). It’s something he’s had before. Being an experienced player, he knows his body well and can manage it. It’s a little bit inconclusive but hopefully not too long. Apart from that, we’re as we were.”
It means City’s only other absences are those with serious injuries: Jakub Stolarczyk (foot), Patson Daka (ankle), and Hamza Choudhury (shoulder). They are slowly recovering.
Cooper added: “The guys who have been out for a longer period are getting closer. Pato has been on the grass and has been progressive with his rehab. He seems to be getting closer.”
Full Leicester City squad for Nottingham Forest: Mads Hermansen, Danny Ward, Daniel Iversen, James Justin, Ricardo Pereira, Victor Kristiansen, Luke Thomas, Wout Faes, Caleb Okoli, Conor Coady, Wilfred Ndidi, Harry Winks, Oliver Skipp, Boubakary Soumare, Facundo Buonanotte, Bilal El Khannouss, Will Alves, Abdul Fatawu, Jordan Ayew, Kasey McAteer, Stephy Mavididi, Bobby De Cordova-Reid, Jamie Vardy, Odsonne Edouard.
Leicester City Injury News - A Set-Back For The Foxes
The news of Vestergaard's injury is a blow to Leicester City, who are looking to build on their recent positive results. The Foxes have won their last two Premier League matches, defeating AFC Bournemouth and Southampton, and will be looking to continue that momentum against their East Midlands rivals. However, the absence of Vestergaard will weaken their defense, especially given the other long-term injuries they are dealing with.
Leicester City Squad Update
Cooper's update on Daka's recovery is positive, and the striker's return to training is a good sign for the Foxes. However, it is unclear when he will be fit enough to return to the matchday squad.
Can The Foxes Bounce Back?
Despite the setback, Leicester City will be confident of picking up a positive result against Nottingham Forest. The Foxes have a good record against their East Midlands rivals, and they will be looking to continue that trend on Friday night.
The Foxes’ victory over Southampton last weekend was their second in a row in the Premier League, and they will be aiming to make it three on the bounce. However, they will be without the experienced Vestergaard, who has struggled with injuries since his arrival at the club. The Foxes’ manager, Steve Cooper, says he's hoping the setback doesn’t keep the Danish defender out for too long. “It was a bit of a pity because he got some good minutes with the national team and it was good to get him back involved,” said Cooper, who was speaking at his pre-match press conference. “It shouldn’t rule him out for too long. Hopefully it’s a bit less (than a few weeks out).”
