Ricardo Pereira says his hamstring injury is “nothing serious” after he hobbled off on Saturday. Moments after setting up Jamie Vardy’s opener in the 2-1 win at Norwich, Ricardo went to ground and received treatment from physios, but was unable to continue and was replaced by Timothy Castagne. After the game, manager Brendan Rodgers said it was a hamstring issue and that Ricardo would undergo a scan to determine the severity of the problem.
Ricardo Pereira said: “Thank you guys for all the messages and concerns. Fortunately it’s nothing serious! See you soon. By the way, nice win on Saturday.”
However, Ricardo has still been withdrawn from the Portugal squad, where he has been replaced by Wolves’ Nelson Semedo. Match-winner Marc Albrighton said it can be demoralising to see so many teammates out of action.
Marc Albrighton said: “It’s not nice seeing lads unable to train and travel, especially someone like Ricardo because he’s worked so hard. At his best, he’s one of the best right-backs in the league, and he worked so hard through his knee setback, he worked hard through the pandemic, he worked hard at home. I think he would say it as well that it was difficult for him last season, he was still getting up to speed. But from pre-season he’s been putting the hard yards in, so I’m devastated for him. I hope it’s not too serious.”
There was more concern for City on Saturday when Castagne, playing his first game of the season, and in a protective mask after an eye-socket fracture at the Euros, went down in the second half.
