Jamie Vardy is facing another month on the sidelines due to injury in a huge blow to Leicester's prospects of European glory.
The forward was only two games into his comeback after a damaged hamstring had kept him out of action for nine weeks, but a knee injury sustained in the 1-0 win over Leeds last Saturday means a further absence of at least three weeks.
Leicester had also been due to give fit-again Wesley Fofana his first appearance of the season against Rennes in the Europa Conference League on Thursday, but the centre-back is now unavailable after contracting Covid.
'Jamie got a knock on his knee but we hope in the next three to four weeks it responds OK,' said Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers. 'He felt soreness on it the day after the Leeds game. It's unfortunate.
'It's very frustrating for both Jamie and Wesley, particularly when they had been out for a period of time and had worked so hard to get back. You see the difference Jamie makes when he is in the team, and we miss that level of player.
'I hope he can get back fit again and we will see how he is in the next few weeks. It's been the story of our season right the way through, with injuries.'
Vardy scored on his return to the side as Leicester won at Burnley last week and was then named in the starting line-up against Leeds.
Fofana has not played since last season after suffering a broken leg and damaged ankle ligaments in a friendly against Villarreal on the eve of this campaign.
The 21-year-old signed a new five-year deal this week and Rodgers hopes he may be clear to feature at Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday.
fibdryz
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good for arsenal