Leicester City winger Abdul Fatawu has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury while on international duty with Ghana.
The 20-year-old sustained the knee injury during Ghana’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Angola on Friday, a blow that has rocked Steve Cooper’s Leicester side.
Fatawu has been a bright spark for the newly promoted Foxes, who currently sit 15th in the Premier League table.
“It’s not good, it’s a serious injury,” Cooper said ahead of Leicester’s clash with Chelsea at the King Power Stadium on Saturday, a match set to be broadcast live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
“He’s had an ACL injury which is going to rule him out for the rest of the season. It’s a real blow, first and foremost for him.
“He’s a young player and having an ACL injury can be quite common, it’s part of football, but it’s still a serious injury. For it to happen at a young age is a blow for him and a blow for us.
“It’s difficult news, but now we need to get ourselves together and support him. He’s obviously a big talent and a young player who’s exciting. Every player his age has lots to learn but there is so much to be excited about with him.”
Fatawu played a pivotal role in Leicester’s promotion last season and has made 11 appearances in the current campaign.
He earned widespread praise for his game-changing performance in October’s 3-2 comeback victory against Southampton, where he came off the bench to inspire a dramatic turnaround. Since then, he has started all three of Leicester’s league games.
“We were enjoying being on his journey in the Premier League and he was showing the potential he has,” Cooper added.
“It’s only a pause. We’ll make sure, as difficult as this is for him, that he comes back being a stronger player and person. With the mentality he has, I think that’ll be the case.”
The international break has been far from kind to Cooper. Alongside Fatawu’s setback, Jordan Ayew also returned from Ghana’s qualifiers nursing a knee issue.
“It’s not a serious injury, contrary to some reports,” Cooper clarified about Ayew’s condition.
“The hope is he may be available for the weekend, but we’re a little bit inconclusive on that for the minute.”