Ruud van Nistelrooy dealt a major injury blow as Leicester goalkeeper sent to a specialist after being ruled out in last month’s Newcastle defeat

Mads Hermansen has seen a specialist as the Leicester goalkeeper struggles to recover from the groin injury that has ruled him out of the last three matches. 

The Dane was forced off at half-time of the 4-0 defeat at Newcastle and missed the defeats by Wolves, Liverpool and Manchester City that have seen Leicester slip into the bottom three.

Foxes boss Ruud van Nistelrooy was initially hopeful that Hermansen would recuperate quickly and even be available for the Wolves game, though the 24-year-old is taking longer than expected to make his comeback.

With Danny Ward already discarded after a disastrous display against Wolves and replacement Jakub Stolarczyk still inexperienced at Premier League level, Leicester have been desperate for Hermansen to return and will be keeping their fingers crossed that the meeting with the specialist will provide a breakthrough.

Leicester face Aston Villa on Saturday and Van Nistelrooy said: ‘Mads won’t be available. He’s been assessed over the past week. He’s been in his rehab programme. There’s not a clear picture but he’ll be out for a couple of weeks at least.’

Ruud van Nistelrooy will be keen to hasten the return of his No1 as the Foxes look to step out of the relegation places

Former Foxes boss Enzo Maresca has expressed interest in bringing Hermansen to Chelsea though the Blues eventually backed away from Leicester’s £40million valuation last summer.

Yet they may return next summer with another offer as Hermansen was a key part of Maresca’s successful plan to guide Leicester to immediate promotion from the Championship last season.

It is unclear at this stage whether Leicester will target a new goalkeeper this month. Van Nistelrooy would also like to strengthen in the full-back positions and out wide though it remains to be seen whether there are sufficient funds available.