Patson Daka: Leicester City striker ‘will be out for months’, says manager Steve Cooper

Leicester City will be without injured striker Patson Daka for “several months”, new manager Steve Cooper says.

The 25-year-old Zambian striker has undergone surgery after sustaining an ankle injury during Leicester’s final pre-season friendly against Lens last Saturday.

Cooper, who was appointed as Leicester manager’s replacement for Enzo Maresca in June, expects to be without Daka for some time to come.

The Foxes manager also said experienced duo Jamie Vardy and Conor Coady will be missing from his side’s opening Premier League match against Tottenham on Monday.

“Patson isn’t great,” Cooper said.

“He had an operation and will be out for a few months. Vards has been injured since the second week of pre-season, he is closer to his return, but it will take some time.

“Conor Coady will be out for a few more weeks with his hamstring.

“Vards is in the final stages of his rehabilitation. With his experience, he understands his body and will have a big say in that process of return.”

Leicester start the season under threat of points deductions for alleged breaches of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, which were seen in their last top-flight match.

Cooper says the Foxes have no plans to sign any new players before welcoming Spurs to the King Power Stadium.

“Every season you want to strengthen, you want to strengthen,” Cooper added. “We’re still in that process. The club is working together and the lines of communication are great.

“It’s been a quiet market. When I knew this week that there would be no additions on Monday, I put that aside and focused on Monday. That’s the only thing we can influence.”