Leicester City are sweating over a groin injury for goalkeeper Mads Hermansen after the Dane was substituted at half-time in the 4-0 thrashing by Newcastle.

Hermansen, City’s star man this season, did not re-emerge for the second period at St James’ Park, with Danny Ward taking over, the Welshman playing his first league appearance in 21 months. City then conceded three goals in 15 minutes, falling to their heaviest defeat of the season.

After the match, manager Ruud van Nistelrooy revealed that Hermansen had said at the interval he felt he could not continue amid a pain in his groin. An assessment will now take place to determine the severity of the issue.

READ MORE: Harsh truth over Leicester City hero as four January transfers weighed up

READ MORE: Ruud van Nistelrooy involved in angry clash as incident spotted in Leicester City defeat to Newcastle

“When Mads comes off, then it’s an injury,” van Nistelrooy said. “He felt a pain in the groin, so he couldn’t continue. We have to assess what it’s like.”

Asked if Hermansen had indicated it was serious, the manager said: “Well he couldn’t really tell. He was just certain he couldn’t continue the game. He didn’t want to make it worse. We have to assess. Hopefully it’s not too much. But of course, he doesn’t come off like that.”

Last season, Jakub Stolarczyk was City’s deputy between the sticks, but the Pole has not been seen all campaign after breaking his foot in the second week of pre-season. He is now training on the grass again, but has not yet been considered for selection.

And so Ward will likely be first choice if Hermansen is unavailable, with Daniel Iversen as back-up. Van Nistelrooy said it was too early to decide if City needed to buy a new goalkeeper.

He added: “Let’s wait and see what the problem is first. There’s no need to jump to conclusions on the January window based on this injury.”

If Hermansen is a long-term injury absentee, will City need to sign a new goalkeeper? Click HERE to have your say.