Leicester City injury update for Tottenham as major blow revealed

Patson Daka has undergone ankle surgery and will be unavailable for months, with Jamie Vardy’s continued absence leaving the club short on striking options to face Tottenham

Leicester City have been hit with a major injury blow on the eve of the new season with Patson Daka ruled out for months with a serious injury.

The Zambian striker hobbled off during the club’s final pre-season friendly at Lens last weekend and medical assessments showed damage to his ankle. He underwent surgery on Friday and now faces months on the sidelines.

With Jamie Vardy still recovering from the knock he sustained at the beginning of pre-season, City have Tom Cannon as their only fit recognised striker. Stephy Mavididi and Bobby De Cordova-Reid will also be contenders to lead the line.

Conor Coady is the third outfield player on the sidelines. He picked up a hamstring injury at the open training session last week and will be out until September.

“Patson, it’s not great news.” manager Steve Cooper said at his press conference on Friday. “He’s suffered quite a serious ankle injury last week. He’s going to be out for a good few months. He had an operation today. That’s really unfortunate for him because he was looking good in pre-season.

“Vards has been injured since the second week of pre-season. He’s closer to returning but will be a little while, although he’s itching to get back. It’s not great at that end of the pitch.

“Vards is at the latter stages of rehab. It’s just making sure he can get past those final stages before he fully returns. With his experience and his age, he understands his body and what it takes. It won’t be the first injury he’s recovered from. He will have a big say in that process of returning and we’ll work together.

“Conor Coady will be out for a few more weeks with his hamstring. Luke Thomas has returned to training.”

With the deadline for registering new signings now passed, there will be no new players in the squad on Monday, even if they join the club over the weekend. The club’s latest signing, Facundo Buonanotte, is available to start after a week of training with his new team-mates.