A groin strain suffered in training ruled Victor Kristiansen out of his first Premier League game of the season.
The Dane had started all eight of City’s Premier League fixtures prior to Friday night’s 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest, but an injury at the start of the week cost him his place at the King Power Stadium. Manager Steve Cooper could not say how long he would be out for.
With no Kristiansen available, Ricardo Pereira was handed his first Premier League appearance of the season. His inclusion also led to a change in set-up, with the Portuguese full-back inverting into a midfielder as he did under Enzo Maresca last season.
Asked about Kristiansen’s omission, Cooper said: “He’s got a groin strain. That happened in training Tuesday or Wednesday, so it was pretty early on in the week. We’re not sure (how long he’s out for) yet. It’s a bit inconclusive on the extent of it.”
The left-back becomes the fifth player on the sidelines for City. He joins countryman Jannik Vestergaard (ankle), as well as Hamza Choudhury (shoulder), Patson Daka (ankle) and Jakub Stolarczyk (foot) in the treatment room.
The lack of clarity over his return suggests he will be absent for the Carabao Cup trip to Manchester United on Wednesday, when Luke Thomas could deputise at left-back. City are next in action in the Premier League at Ipswich next weekend.
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