Steve Cooper says Leicester City ‘can’t hide’ from the reality of starting the season with one fit striker after a ‘slow’ transfer window.
The Foxes will be without Patson Daka for several months after undergoing surgery on an ankle injury sustained in the pre-season friendly against Lens, while Jamie Vardy and Conor Coady will also miss their Premier League return through injury.
The latest on Jamie Vardy, Patson Daka and Conor Coady ahead of #LEITOT 🔎
— Leicester City (@LCFC) August 16, 2024
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has joined Chelsea while Kelechi Iheanacho has moved to Sevilla and Cooper – who replaced Chelsea-bound Enzo Maresca – will not have reinforcements before Monday’s visit of Tottenham.
He told his pre-match press conference: “Every season you want to strengthen. Every club will be the same. We are still going through that process.
“The club is working together and the communication lines have been great. It has been a slow market but it’s not been through a lack of trying.
“Once I realised that there wouldn’t be any reinforcements ahead of Monday night, I put it to one side – I’m focused on the guys and that is all I can control.”
Tom Cannon is the only available senior striker ahead of the King Power opener and Cooper admitted: “It’s not the perfect situation going into this game. There’s no point hiding from that. It’s about adapting the game plan to make sure we do have a threat.
“What I do know is that we have enough players to make a difference.
“I feel an optimism. I have been to a few events, spoken to people and felt that positivity. As players and staff, our job is to keep that.
“We are really excited about being in the Premier League and the challenge of staying here. We are going to give it everything.”
