Schmeichel blow to Foxes’ survival hopes

Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel has been ruled out until next year after breaking a metatarsal in training.

The 28-year-old is due to have an operation on his foot today after suffering the injury yesterday in a huge blow to the Foxes’ survival hopes. Ben Hamer is set to deputise — starting against Manchester City tomorrow — after boss Nigel Pearson announced the news.

He said: “It’s very unfortunate, clearly the lad is distressed about it and he will be a miss for us but, again, you have to deal with it. We can’t change it.

“An optimistic view would be four to six weeks but it could be longer, we don’t know.

“There was no contact, it’s just foot to the floor, I didn’t see a twist and these things happen.”

Pearson has been charged by the Football Association in the wake of his heated touchline row with a fan.

It is alleged the Foxes boss used abusive and/or insulting words towards a spectator during last week’s 3-1 defeat to Liverpool at the King Power Stadium.

Meanwhile Pearson has been charged by the Football Association after his heated touchline row with a fan.

He has until 6pm on December 16 to respond.