Steve Cooper has dropped an update on the fitness of Leicester City centre-back Jannik Vestergaard ahead of their Carabao Cup clash against Manchester United.
Vestergaard hasn’t featured for Leicester since their 2-1 loss against Fulham in August after suffering an ankle problem.
The towering centre-back was fit enough to play for Denmark during the October internationals, with Vestergaard impressing for his nation.
However, the 32-year-old missed the comeback win over Southampton and then the 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Friday night, with Steve Cooper since providing an update on the imperious defender.
Jannik Vestergaard is available for Man United clash
Vestergaard not being available for the past few months has opened the door for Caleb Okoli to shine alongside Wout Faes, and the pair have formed a decent partnership.
Cooper could now make wholesale changes to the side that were beaten by Forest and the former England under-17 boss has disclosed that Vestergaard is available for selection.
Speaking in Tuesday’s pre-match press conference, as per Leicestershire Live, Cooper said: “Jannik is available again. He had a bit of a stutter with his ankle. He’s back with the group and he’s an experienced player. We’ll see what’s what in terms of availability.”
The 44-year-old also provided an update on left-back Victor Kristiansen, who picked up a groin injury before Friday’s defeat to Forest, with Cooper revealing the extent of the problem.
“It’s not too bad. It’s a muscle injury to the groin. It’s going to be a little while but at least it’s going to be days and weeks rather than longer than that. The scan showed it could have been worse than what it is,” Cooper said.
Should Vestergaard start vs Man United?
Following his poor display against Nottingham Forest and his mistake for Chris Wood’s second goal, Wout Faes should be dropped for the trip to Old Trafford.
Conor Coady, who has played in their previous two Carabao Cup wins over Tranmere and Walsall, should replace the Belgian in defence and slot alongside Okoli.
Okoli has impressed since arriving from Atalanta in the summer and having the experienced Coady next to him could be crucial against United.
As for Vestergaard, his availability is a boost to Cooper but he’s unlikely to throw him straight into the starting XI, and will instead ease him back into the action.