Vardy heads in a goal against New Castle United while Bruyne lobs in a shot against Arsenal
Two formidable players that often hold fans spellbound with their unique play will be off season for weeks sidelined by ill-health- Leicester City Jamie Vardy, and by injury- Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne
While Vardy will undergo hernia surgery and is expected to be sidelined for a few weeks, Bruyne will have to tend a hamstring injury.
Vardy’s 11 goals so far in the Premier League this season have helped put the Foxes firmly in the title race.
“We’ve been managing him over the past few months.” said manager Brendan Rodgers.
“He can’t hold it off for much longer – there’s a lot of time in the season for him to make an impact.”
Rodgers has two recognised forwards left who are fit, Spaniard Ayoze Perez and Nigerian Kelechi Iheanacho – but between them they have managed a single goal in the league this season.
However, attacking midfielders Harvey Barnes and James Maddison have scored 23 in all competitions.
When asked how Leicester would cope without Vardy, Rodgers added: “We’ve played without Jamie before and scored and won.
“He’s contributed to the team over these past few weeks even if he hasn’t scored.
“When you don’t have one of the top strikers in the league, it’s always going to be disappointing. It’s not overly concerning, it’s our best chance of getting him back.
“Perez is a natural striker. He doesn’t threaten the backline as quickly as Vardy, but he’s a great finisher. I’ve got Kels who can offer a threat too.”
Kevin de Bruyne will be sidelined for four to six weeks with a hamstring injury, says manager Pep Guardiola.
The Belgium playmaker, 29, suffered the injury during Wednesday’s 2-0 Premier League win against Aston Villa.
His absence will start with Saturday’s FA Cup fourth-round tie at Cheltenham.
De Bruyne could miss up to 10 matches, including the Champions League last-16 first-leg tie with Borussia Monchengladbach on 24 February.
“The doctor said after reviewing the scan Kevin will be out for four to six weeks. It’s a big blow, but we have to move forward,” said Guardiola.
“I’m not saying anything that anyone doesn’t know – it is unfortunate for him and for us and we have to find a solution because everyone in their own life is struggling in the situation we are living in and we have to adapt.”
City are unbeaten in 16 games in all competitions, including wins in all their past nine matches, and are second in the Premier League, two points behind Manchester United, but with a game in hand.
As well as the FA Cup tie at League One Cheltenham Town, De Bruyne will also miss Premier League matches against West Brom, Sheffield United and Burnley as well as games against fellow title contenders Liverpool on 7 February at Anfield and Tottenham at home six days later.
He could also be absent for the home league game against Arsenal, the Champions League tie against Monchengladbach and the Premier League encounter with West Ham. City are then scheduled to play a derby game against Manchester United on 6 March.
Guardiola said his players are having to play too many matches and are picking up injuries as a result.
“To demand they are fit for 11 months, playing every three days, is impossible,” said the Spaniard.
“With this amount of competitions, the body says ‘it’s enough’. The players don’t want to get injured but it’s no secret.
“When we demand five substitutions, it’s for this reason. Why can we do it in the FA Cup but not the others? I’m not just saying it because it’s Kevin, it’s too many games and competitions and in the end the players suffer.”