Veteran Paul Dickov is in his second spell with Leicester

Leicester City striker Paul Dickov has been ruled out of action for at least five weeks.

The Scotsman went under the surgeon's knife earlier this week for treatment to a back injury.

But Foxes manager Nigel Pearson told BBC Radio Leicester: "He'll be back fairly quickly, which is good for us."

Veteran Dickov, who turns 36 next month, has made one league start for the Foxes this season since his return to the club in the summer.

Dickov's spell on the sidelines adds to the long list of players on the treatment table at the Walkers Stadium.

Fellow striker DJ Campbell has not featured on a team sheet for two games because he is struggling with a hip injury.

But defenders Joe Mattock and Patrick Kisnorbo are closing in on a return after both played in the behind-closed-doors friendly at Rushden and Diamonds on Tuesday.

Mattock is recovering from ankle ligament damage and Kisnorbo from a knee problem.