“Steve Cooper Reveals Why Jamie Vardy and Ricardo Pereira Miss Man Utd Clash, Leaving Foxes Fans Concerned”
Steve Cooper Explains Jamie Vardy and Ricardo Pereira's Absence from Leicester City's Clash with Manchester United
Leicester City suffered a 5-2 defeat to Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side in the EFL Cup last week, but managed to recover with a 1-1 draw at Ipswich Town.
Many Foxes fans felt hopeful about their chances against Manchester United at Old Trafford—until the lineups were announced.
Two key players, Jamie Vardy and Ricardo Pereira, were notably absent from the squad.
Manager Steve Cooper explained the situation before the match, sharing news that concerned Leicester supporters.
“Jamie [Vardy] is injured. And Ricardo Pereira as well,” Cooper stated through Leicester’s official social media account.
“Injuries happen, none of us want them, but unfortunately both picked up injuries last week and haven’t recovered in time for today. It’s unfortunate, but we’re looking forward to the game.”
Cooper didn’t elaborate on how long the pair might be out, leaving fans hopeful that Vardy and Pereira could return for the Chelsea match after the international break.
Despite his age, Vardy remains a crucial player for Leicester, having started all ten of the season’s league games so far.
While Pereira’s absence may not have the same impact, Leicester’s depth at full-back is limited, with James Justin and Victor Kristiansen the only other natural options.
For the game against Manchester United, Cooper opted for an unconventional lineup without a traditional striker, raising some eyebrows among fans.
Leicester’s lineup included: Mads Hermansen; James Justin, Jannik Vestergaard, Wout Faes, Victor Kristiansen; Harry Winks, Boubakary Soumare, Wilfred Ndidi; Abdul Fatawu, Jordan Ayew, and Facundo Buonanotte.
While Fatawu, Buonanotte, and Ayew—who scored the equalizer against Ipswich—offer decent attacking options, Leicester fans were concerned about the lack of a true target man.
Odsonne Edouard, who might have been expected to start in Vardy’s absence, was also left out, suggesting that Cooper may not have full confidence in him as a forward option.
