“Leicester City manager Steve Cooper has named his starting lineup for the club’s first public pre-season friendly against Shrewsbury Town, with Jamie Vardy notably absent from the 27-man squad.

Vardy, who scored in City’s 2-1 win over Villarreal in their previous friendly, is the only player missing from the 24 who featured in that match. His absence may be due to a minor knock, with Cooper expected to provide an update on the striker’s condition after the game.

In Vardy’s place, Patson Daka leads the line for City, supported by a midfield trio of Harry Winks, Wilfred Ndidi, and Kasey McAteer. The starting XI also features Danny Ward in goal, with Ricardo Pereira, Ben Nelson, Conor Coady, and Luke Thomas forming the back four.

Cooper’s team selection suggests he may be experimenting with a similar formation to the one used under Enzo Maresca last season. Ndidi and McAteer could alternate between deeper and more advanced roles, with Winks potentially anchoring the midfield.

City’s friendly against Shrewsbury Town marks their first public pre-season outing, with Cooper using the match to assess his squad’s fitness and cohesion ahead of the new Premier League season.”