Leicester City

U18s Suffer Defeat To Spurs

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Three second half goals from Spurs saw the hosts come from behind to beat the young Foxes at Tottenham Hotspur Academy Spurs Lodge in U18 Premier League South Division action on Saturday morning.

Following a 4-1 reverse to Aston Villa the week before, it was the travelling City who took the lead 42 minutes in through Kaleb Dyke, with the London outfit coming back minutes later, equalising through Luca Williams-Barnett's stunner from the centre-circle.

Spurs then came out strongly in the second period, taking the lead when Tynan Thompson scored three minutes from the restart before confirming the victory four minutes later when Jun'ai Byfield scored.

Without a win since late October, Leicester's youngsters will be hoping that their fortunes change quickly, and have the chance to get revenge on Tottenham when the two sides meet once more on Saturday 23 November (11:30am GMT kick-off) at LCFC Training Ground for an U18 Premier League Cup clash.

Currently bottom of Group B, a win and a positive result elsewhere is a must for the Foxes to progress through to the knockout stages in a couple of week's time.

The details...

City: Donohue; Gray, Adedeji, Khela; Diallo (Aideed 86'), Dyke, Akolbire (de Lisle 74'), Daniels; Owusu (Kosiorek 66'), Omobolaji, Hutchinson.

Unused subs: Marson, Toko.

Cooper On Skipp's Availability & 'Important' Vardy

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- Oliver Skipp is in contention to feature at Fulham at Saturday, says Steve Cooper

- Leicester City travel to Craven Cottage on matchday two in the Premier League

- The Foxes Manager also commented on Jamie Vardy's fitness

- The iconic Leicester striker netted against Tottenham Hotspur on Monday

City began the 2024/25 top-flight campaign with a 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur at King Power Stadium on Monday, courtesy of Jamie Vardy's second-half equaliser.

Cooper, speaking on Thursday, outlined the condition of his First Team squad ahead of the trip to Fulham and says nothing's changed since earlier in the week. Skipp, who joined from Spurs recently, is available for selection if required.

"It’s the same," the Welshman told the media, updating on fitness news. "Obviously, it was the first game of the season and a lot of lads were getting up to speed fitness-wise. A lot of clubs are in that position. There's just a bit of fatigue, nothing else.

"[Skipp is] definitely available, that’s for sure. It’s great that he’s here. We’re looking to add some more players as well, hopefully sooner rather than later, and you want new players to push for places. You want that competition.

"We have a brilliant spirit here and a great work ethic. The challenge will be embraced by the guys for starting positions. Everybody that’s fit and available will be ready for selection if required."

Vardy, meanwhile, started Monday's draw with Spurs despite having limited playing opportunities in pre-season and Cooper believes that is a testament to the work City's No.9 does away from matchday.

"It's definitely important to keep all of our players fit," he added. "Jamie doesn’t need any special words from me about his capabilities and the impact he can have. The talent he has around the box will never leave him.

"In terms of keeping him available and fresh for games, that is going to be important. He’s an older player now, that’s a fact, and of course as players get older they understand their bodies well and know what’s needed to prepare for games.

"It's important that we work collaboratively with him to make sure we do what’s right by him to get him ready for games. In my experience of him, he really enjoys the games. He enjoys what it takes to get ready for the game.

"He now has a good understanding of how I work and what’s required from us. We’re starting to get to know all of the players - especially him - and what they require to be ready for games. That’s just coaching, that's just preparation, knowing what they need more than what they want. That will be the case for him.

"It’s a little different for him with the pre-season he’s had as well, but he’s a game player. He's a matchday guy and we’ll do our best to make him as ready as he can be."

Fatawu: A Special Day

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- Leicester City drew 1-1 with Tottenham Hotspur on Monday night

- Jamie Vardy equalised after Pedro Porro's opener at King Power Stadium

- Winger Abdul Fatawu was pleased to provide the assist for City's goal

- He was also delighted to make his English top-flight debut

Vardy's 57th-minute header levelled Pedro Porro's first-half opener at King Power Stadium on Monday evening to get Steve Cooper's men up and running on the Club's top-flight return.

After proving so crucial in City's promotion-winning campaign last time out, Fatawu is determined to help Leicester retain their Premier League status - and was excited to make his maiden appearance in the English top tier.

"This was a special day, my debut in the Premier League," he said afterwards. "It was a great feeling and it was great to take a point out of it. I’m so happy and it’s a dream come true for me. I’ll keep going.

"There’s differences in the Premier League because it’s more intense and more running! You have to keep on with the team. There were differences and we’ll keep going.

"The fans are so amazing and always give me more energy to give my heart. They are so special and I love playing because they make me feel special and give me more energy to give more for the team.

"It’s just the beginning with the team and what we’re doing. We just have to keep going."

The Foxes took time to settle against the north Londoners, but once they did, Fatawu and Co. really took the game to Spurs. The Ghanian credited the Manager for his half-time words, which led to a change in fortunes.

"It’s about the coach," he added. "In the second half, he spoke to us in the dressing room, how to get it easier for ourselves as a team. We did it and I think that’s why we came on in the game.

"Especially, how we played, it’ll give us more confidence. We know we can give more. This game will give us more tactics to learn. I think we are going to do more and show more to get better."

A first assist is now in the bag for Fatawu, his cross teeing up Vardy for his opening goal of the season. The former Sporting Lisbon winger is hoping it's a trend which continues.

"Jamie Vardy is always there, I know where he is," City's No.7 explained. "Anytime I get the ball, I think of him and where to put the ball for him to score. Fortunately, today, it happened it again and I’m so happy."

Gutsy Foxes Take A Point From Spurs Opener

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Gutsy Foxes Take A Point From Spurs Opener - Leicester City
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It was topsy-turvy at times on City’s top-flight return, the EFL Championship champions having to soak up heaps of pressure before the interval. Pedro Porro’s 29th-minute opener felt like it might mark the start of a Spurs onslaught, Mads Hermansen was certainly kept busy in the Leicester goal. But Steve Cooper’s men settled into the game, eventually taking it by the horns, and in the end they were worthy of at least a draw. A 137th Premier League goal for evergreen Jamie Vardy, still the main man at 37, lifted the roof off King Power Stadium – and could set the tone for these formative weeks of City’s return to the biggest stage of all. The No.9 headed his side level in the 57th minute. This is a season which calls for guts and determination – qualities which the home side showcased in rich quantities after the break on Monday.

There was a surprise when team news was confirmed with Vardy named in the City XI by Cooper in his first competitive game as Manager. The Premier League, FA Cup and two-time Championship winner has been out for much of the summer through injury, but was the man once again leading the line on the opening night. Ahead of kick-off, there was a poignant moment around the ground as the Blue Army paid an emotional tribute to former Manager Craig Shakespeare, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 60. Nigel Pearson and Steve Walsh, his two coaching side-kicks, were in the stands to remember their friend and colleague. Banners were unfurled around the ground in remembrance of two-ball Shakey, the man who was there as Leicester last climbed the leagues and reached the game’s apex.

The match itself was quite the ride for the capacity crowd – who stuck with the boys in blue all night long. The visitors had their foot on the pedal from the off, but would later rue missed opportunities. Moments in, a raking goalline clearance from Wilfred Ndidi stopped Rodrigo Bentancur’s header from bulging the net, before a half-volley from Porro was parried well by Hermansen. The Danish stopper was also put to the test when Son Heung-Min’s cross was nodded towards goal by new Spurs striker Dominic Solanke, although it was a simple enough save for Hermansen at his near post. It had been a chastening start to life back in the Premier League – a Spurs barrage, which continued when Cristian Romero’s header needed to be caught well by Hermansen from Porro’s cross. Another intervention was also required to halt Solanke’s nodded effort 15 minutes in. Leicester were riding the storm but needed a footing.

Just as they seemed to be getting into their stride – venturing forwards at last – Tottenham took the lead. James Maddison, back on familiar soil in lilywhite, was the architect, crossing for Porro to flick a subtle header into the far post. There could have been a quick-fire second for the visitors, too, when Brennan Johnson flashed a delivery across the face of goal, although nobody was there to apply a finish. City’s moments of threat were fleeting before the break. Abdul Fatawu’s cross was seized upon by Guglielmo Vicario in the Spurs net. Bobby De Cordova-Reid also tried to catch Vicario off his line with an effort from 40-odd yards out, but the former Fulham man was off target.

The second half offered a fresh start and the early signs brought promise for the newly-promoted hosts. A last-ditch Pape Sarr block was all that stopped De Cordova-Reid’s drive from testing Vicario, although City’s new No.14 appeared to be offside. Nevertheless, alarm bells were ringing 10 minutes after the restart when Solanke thrashed a low hit at goal from the edge of the box. Hermansen, mind you, was up to the task, able to beat it away. Intricate build-up play gave the former Bournemouth man another bite at the cherry in Spurs’ next surge, finding Hermansen in his way again. The Foxes were fighting, though, intent on stopping their guests from having it all their own way. Victor Kristiansen, one of a few players to return from loan spells away, had Tottenham defenders scrambling, fizzing a low delivery across the goalmouth. There was nobody there to finish, but Fatawu was loitering, waiting for the ball to drop on the far, right-hand side. The Ghanaian took it under his control, later lofting a cross towards the back post. Vardy, City’s man for the big occasion, was there, lurking – and all it took was a deft header to beat Vicario. King Power Stadium duly erupted, a release of pent-up pressure, having watched their side battle their way back into the contest.

The game had been flipped on its head. Now Leicester were the aggressors. Ndidi was the next Fox to go close, slamming a close-range rocket into the side-netting in front of the Spion Kop. Vardy was kicking the air in fury later on, denied by Vicario from completing a turnaround after excellent interplay between Facundo Buonanotte and De Cordova-Reid. Buonanotte’s weighted through-ball was perfect and Leicester’s No.9 was on it in a flash, but the angle was too tight to beat the Spurs ‘keeper.

Leicester City Agree Deal For Oliver Skipp

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- Oliver Skipp signs for Leicester City from Tottenham Hotspur

- The 23-year-old has signed a contract to 2029

- Defensive midfielder has made over 100 appearances for the London side

The 23-year-old England youth international joins on a five-year contract, having been with Spurs since the age of five and progressing through the Academy ranks to eventually make 106 appearances.

He now links up with his Leicester City team-mates for the new Premier League campaign and will be in attendance as they take on his former side at King Power Stadium on Monday night.

Speaking to LCFC.com, Skipp said: “I’m really excited to sign. I’ve got the feeling that it’s a good group of people and a good group of players. I’m sure that we’ve got a squad capable of challenging in every game. You look around the squad and there’s lots of exciting players who have played in the Premier League and I’m really excited to see what this group can achieve.

“I had conversations with the people here and they gave me a feeling of warmth and that they were excited to have me on board. As a player, when you feel that excitement, that’s something you can use to develop your game. The staff here know me as well - Steve [Cooper], I have worked with at England so there’s definitely a good relationship there and I’m keen to push on and show what I can do.”

Born in Welwyn Garden City, the defensive midfielder quickly stood out at club and international level as a youngster. Skipp starred for Tottenham’s academy sides in domestic and European competitions, while current Leicester City manager Steve Cooper managed him for England Under-17s and Under-18s.

The youngster’s senior debut would come in October 2018, just a month after his 18th birthday, as a late substitute in a 3-1 Carabao Cup win away at West Ham United. That would be the first of 12 senior appearances for the youngster in his breakthrough season.

After gaining further Premier League and Champions League experience in the 2019/20 season, Skipp would join Championship side Norwich City on loan for the 2020/21 campaign. He started 44 of 46 league fixtures for the Canaries and was a central figure as they won promotion to the Premier League as Champions – earning him a place in the PFA Championship Team of the Year.

Skipp’s importance to Spurs continued to grow, with 83 appearances over the following three campaigns, while also making an appearance in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship Final in 2023 as England overcame Spain to win the competition.

He will be available to make his Leicester City debut on Saturday 24 August as the Foxes travel to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham (3pm BST kick-off).

Leicester City Agree Deal For Oliver Skipp

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- Oliver Skipp signs for Leicester City from Tottenham Hotspur

- The 23-year-old has signed a contract to 2029

- Defensive midfielder has made over 100 appearances for the London side

The 23-year-old England youth international joins on a five-year contract, having been with Spurs since the age of five and progressing through the Academy ranks to eventually make 106 appearances.

He now links up with his Leicester City team-mates for the new Premier League campaign and will be in attendance as they take on his former side at King Power Stadium on Monday night.

Speaking to LCFC.com, Skipp said: “I’m really excited to sign. I’ve got the feeling that it’s a good group of people and a good group of players. I’m sure that we’ve got a squad capable of challenging in every game. You look around the squad and there’s lots of exciting players who have played in the Premier League and I’m really excited to see what this group can achieve.

“I had conversations with the people here and they gave me a feeling of warmth and that they were excited to have me on board. As a player, when you feel that excitement, that’s something you can use to develop your game. The staff here know me as well - Steve [Cooper], I have worked with at England so there’s definitely a good relationship there and I’m keen to push on and show what I can do.”

Born in Welwyn Garden City, the defensive midfielder quickly stood out at club and international level as a youngster. Skipp starred for Tottenham’s academy sides in domestic and European competitions, while current Leicester City manager Steve Cooper managed him for England Under-17s and Under-18s.

The youngster’s senior debut would come in October 2018, just a month after his 18th birthday, as a late substitute in a 3-1 Carabao Cup win away at West Ham United. That would be the first of 12 senior appearances for the youngster in his breakthrough season.

After gaining further Premier League and Champions League experience in the 2019/20 season, Skipp would join Championship side Norwich City on loan for the 2020/21 campaign. He started 44 of 46 league fixtures for the Canaries and was a central figure as they won promotion to the Premier League as Champions – earning him a place in the PFA Championship Team of the Year.

Skipp’s importance to Spurs continued to grow, with 83 appearances over the following three campaigns, while also making an appearance in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship Final in 2023 as England overcame Spain to win the competition.

He will be available to make his Leicester City debut on Saturday 24 August as the Foxes travel to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham (3pm BST kick-off).

‘Enjoyable To Be Back’ - Winks Looks To Tottenham Clash

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- Leicester City host Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League opener

- King Power Stadium will host the 8pm kick-off on Monday evening

- Harry Winks previewed the Foxes’ top-flight return against his former club

- The midfielder cannot wait to get going again after an intense pre-season

Returning to the top-flight after a one-year absence, it all kicks off for the Foxes against Winks’ former side, Tottenham Hotspur, with the pair set to battle it out at King Power Stadium on Monday evening (8pm kick-off).

Although the England midfielder is savouring the prospect of coming up against ex-team-mates on the opposing side, there is only one thing in his mind when it comes to the game itself.

“It's going to be an enjoyable night, hopefully, being back in the Premier League,” Winks said earlier this week. “It's going to be an exciting game for me personally to play against my former club.

“It’s the first time I've played against Tottenham since leaving, so it's going to be a mixed emotional night for me. Seeing some old faces will be nice as well, but it will be business as usual, the same way I approach every other match.

“Hopefully we can come away with a positive result, because obviously I want to be part of the team that wins. There's nothing I want more than to beat them and to win, of course, because there's nothing better than starting the season off well.”

The summer schedule has taken the Foxes to France and Germany, and having got up to speed fitness-wise, as well as taking on the Manager’s ideas, Winks feels ready for the season to begin.

The 28-year-old is confident that the camaraderie built up during the Sky Bet Championship title-winning campaign, meanwhile, will serve Leicester well during the rigours of the Premier League.

“We've been in for a while now, preparing in pre-season,” he explained. “We just want to get underway and start getting into the rhythm of matches every week and thankfully Monday will be the beginning of hopefully a really good positive season for us.

“We have good players, we have a good side and you can get carried away sometimes when you go into the Premier League, thinking that you need to change too much, and that could sometimes be to your detriment, because we've got a really good squad.

“We've also got a really tight knit group of players who all get on with each other really well, and we've got a good balance. It's important that we remember that, especially going into the season, because sometimes it's about grinding out results.

“Having a team-mate next to you who you can trust, who you have a relationship with - we certainly have that, especially from last season, which we built a strong foundation from. And I'm sure the fans will be excellent as they always are.

“Going into the Premier League, everyone's going to be excited, because when you're on the pitch against a good side, it's important you have everybody and pulling in the same direction and any little bit of positivity and any bit of support we can get, that could be massive in helping us get a result for all the matches that we play.”

All times BST.

Important Fan Information

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- Leicester City host Tottenham Hotspur on Monday 19 August

- The game at King Power Stadium will kick-off at 8pm BST

- Supporters asked to ensure Mobile Tickets have been downloaded to their smartphones before arrival

Once again for the 2024/25 season, fans are advised to arrive on Filbert Way as early as possible to avoid any potential queuing at turnstiles and to ensure everyone can get to their seats in time for kick-off.

We’ve put together the below information for supporters to familiarise themselves with ahead of their visit on Monday evening.

TRIBUTE TO CRAIG SHAKESPEARE

We kindly ask all supporters to be in their seats in good time ahead of kick-off as the Leicester City family pays tribute to Craig Shakespeare with a minute’s applause ahead of kick-off. The former Leicester City manager sadly passed away earlier this month at the age of 60 and leaves behind an incredible legacy at the Football Club.

Craig was integral to Leicester City’s rise from League One to Premier League champions, while he also led to the Club to the UEFA Champions League Quarter-Finals as manager in 2017. He was a much loved and respected member of the Leicester City family and Monday’s game will give all supporters and staff a chance to pay their respects.

MOBILE TICKETING

The use of mobile tickets is now commonplace for mass spectator events all over the world. At Leicester City, thousands of fans have benefitted from Mobile Ticketing (NFC) as their preferred method of entry into King Power Stadium, and the Club are encouraging as many members of the Blue Army to do so.

To help support the transition to mobile ticketing, a host of information and guides are available if you are using it for the first time.

Please ensure your ticket is downloaded to your phone before you arrive at King Power Stadium on Monday night.

To read our FAQs on Mobile Tickets, click HERE and for further guidance on how to use Mobile Tickets, click HERE.

PRE-MATCH ENTERTAINMENT

As we kick off the new season, fans arriving early for our opening game are in for a treat with a host of pre-match entertainment and activations. From 5pm to 7:30pm, the North Brick Weave will come alive with music, courtesy of our resident DJ, setting the perfect atmosphere to get everyone in the matchday spirit. Fans can take part in interactive games on stage, with chances to win fantastic prizes, including £50 and £150 Foxes Fanstore vouchers, as well as fun giveaways like Filbert lollies and LCFC drinking bottles.

For our younger supporters and the young at heart, there’s face painting and the opportunity to join the Colour Squad in painting the stadium blue. At approximately 6.15pm, our mascot Filbert Fox will be making an appearance to meet fans, adding to the excitement. Meanwhile, Panini enthusiasts can head over to our trading card swap station to complete their collections from the Premier League Adrenalyn XL™ 2025 Official Trading Card Game.

Football-themed activities will be available for all ages and abilities, including a Pana football cage, TEQBALL tables, a football shootout, and table football.

EXCITING NEW FOOD PRODUCTS

This season, we’re delighted to introduce a variety of exciting new food vendors at the King Power Stadium, offering even more reasons to arrive early and make the most of your matchday experience.

Positioned around the stadium, our new culinary partners bring a range of delicious options for fans to enjoy. From the North Stand to the South Stand, you can indulge in everything from classic currywurst and loaded poutine to gourmet pizzas and locally sourced farm produce. Whether you’re after something hearty, like a butter chicken naan bread or a Yorkshire pudding wrap, or just fancy a quick snack, there’s something to satisfy every taste.

In addition to these offerings, we’ve also introduced new beverages, including locally brewed beers and a selection of wines to enhance your matchday. For those seeking non-alcoholic options, we now stock Dash Water and have introduced low-alcohol Guinness cans, so there’s truly something for everyone. With so much on offer, we encourage all fans to come down early, explore the new vendors, and enjoy the atmosphere building up to kick-off.

DOWNLOAD THE LCFC APP!

This summer we were pleased to launch of our brand-new, free official app on Android following its launch on iOS, transforming the way our fans can engage with their team.

Make sure you download the app for all the latest matchday information from your Club, including being among the first to get team news, along with a host of exciting matchday features.

Download - Android

Download - iOS

CLAP BANNERS & HONESTY FLAGS

As you make your way into the stadium, be sure to collect a special Leicester vs Tottenham Hotspur clapper to cheer on the team, and don’t forget to wave one of our 2,000 brand new honesty flags in the bowl to get behind the team!

SOUTH EAST TICKET OFFICE

In response to valuable feedback from our supporters, we’re excited to announce the opening of a new South-East Ticket Office. We understand the importance of providing a smooth matchday experience, and this additional ticket office has been introduced to assist with queries and ease congestion at the main ticket office. While the South-East Ticket Office is a helpful resource for fans, please note that the majority of our staff are based in the main ticket office, which is recommended for more complex enquiries and ticketing needs. To further support your matchday experience, extra ticketing staff will also be stationed at turnstiles to assist with any issues related to entering the ground.

Additionally, our friendly Here to Help staff will be on hand throughout the day, easily identifiable in their bright pink t-shirts. They’re available to assist with any queries you may have, ensuring that your visit to the King Power Stadium is as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible. We’re here to listen, and we’re committed to continuously improving your matchday experience.

ROADWORKS

There are several roadworks in place across Leicester so supporters are urged to factor additional travel times to their journeys, as well as being aware that there are overnight closures planned for the M69 from 8pm on Monday.

All the latest detailed information on works in the city and across Leicestershire can be found on the Leicester traffic and travel map. Find out more HERE.

NEW KITS ON SALE

Pop by the Foxes Fanstore ahead of the game and get kitted out in the Club’s new home and away shirts, courtesy of adidas.

The Foxes Fanstore will be open from 10am on Monday and will close at kick-off, before re-opening again for 45 minutes after the final whistle.

In addition to the new season’s kits, the Fanstore offers an extensive selection of merchandise, including a new range of trainingwear and leisurewear.

If you can't wait to explore the full LCFC range and want to plan your visit in advance, look no further than the official online store at LCFC.com/shop to browse through our collections.

SUPPORTER CONDUCT

Leicester City is dedicated to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all individuals associated with our Football Club and is once again joining with football’s leading stakeholders to address rising incidents of discrimination in the game.

As the start of the 2024/25 season approaches, the Football Club wishes to reinforce the importance of behavioural expectations and remind individuals of the introduction of stronger consequences for any form of anti-social behaviour.

Supporters are advised that not only will anti-social behaviour such as offensive chanting lead to sanctions from the Club, but it may also amount to a criminal offence and lead to further, more serious consequences for individuals involved.

REPORTING PROCEDURES

If you experience, see or hear unacceptable behaviour on a matchday, report it. Please text 6066 starting your message with FOXES.

The Football Club takes discrimination in all its forms seriously and your support in helping us to eradicate it from King Power Stadium is vital in our mission to continue making football something that can be enjoyed by everyone. Please also refer to the Supporter Charter.

For more information, including about our social media banning policy, click HERE.

TICKET RESALE PLATFORM

The Ticket Resale Platform is intended to help our loyal Season Ticket Holders on the occasions where other commitments mean they are unable to attend a fixture at King Power Stadium.

For those occasions, they will be able to make their seat available via our Ticket Resale Platform, and if purchased, they will receive 1/19th of the cost of their Season Ticket back.

Please also note that children under the age of two are not permitted into the stadium.

For full information, click HERE.

Leicester City’s Terms & Conditions are available HERE.

All times BST.

Daka, Vardy & Coady Out Of Spurs Clash, Cooper Confirms

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- Patson Daka, Jamie Vardy and Conor Coady are out of contention for Leicester City’s season opener

- Manager Steve Cooper confirmed that the trio will not be available due to injury

- Defender Luke Thomas is back in training, Cooper also revealed in his pre-match press conference

- Tottenham Hotspur are the first opponents for the Foxes’ Premier League return

The Leicester City Manager, speaking in his first press conference ahead of the Club’s Premier League return, provided an update on how the squad is looking prior to Monday night’s fixture, including in the forward line.

Zambia international Daka limped off during the first half of last week’s friendly away to RC Lens and will not be available for selection for a period of time, while City’s No.9 Vardy, who suffered an injury earlier in the pre-season schedule, is also out of the season opener.

“Patson [Daka] obviously is not great news,” the 44-year-old said. “He suffered quite a serious ankle injury last week in the game in Lens and he is going to be out for a good few months. He’s having an operation today (Friday). That’s really unfortunate for him because he was looking good in pre-season.

“Vards, similarly, he’s been injured since the second week of pre-season now, when we were on one of our pre-season camps. He’s closer to returning but it will be a little while, although he’s itching to get back. But it’s not great at that end of the pitch.

“He’s right at the latter stages of rehab now and just making sure he can fight past those final stages before he returns. With experience and age a little bit, he really understands his body and he knows what it takes.

“It’s not the first injury he’s recovered from or even played with and he will have a big say in that process of returning. We’ll work together with him.”

Despite the continued absence of Coady, there was better news in the defensive ranks, with full-back Luke Thomas back among the squad, having missed the final pre-season friendly of the season.

Cooper added: “Conor Coady will be out for a few more weeks as well with his hamstring, but Luke Thomas has returned to training.”