Leicester City manager Steve Cooper has confirmed that forward Abdul Fatawu will miss the remainder of the season due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained during Ghana’s 2025 AFCON qualifier against Angola.
Meanwhile, fellow Leicester player Jordan Ayew, who also picked up an injury during international duty, is under observation, with hopes of a quicker return to action.
Fatawu suffered the injury in the Black Stars’ 1-1 draw in Luanda, a game where Ghana led through a brilliant strike from Ayew before conceding a second-half equalizer. Fatawu, visibly struggling, required medical attention multiple times before being substituted at halftime.
Speaking on Fatawu’s condition, Cooper expressed his dismay over the setback, emphasizing its impact on the team and the player’s development.
Wishing Abdul Fatawu Issahaku a speedy recovery after successful surgery. Come back stronger, Fatawu! 💪🏾❤️🇬🇭#BlackStars | @AbdulFatawuI10 pic.twitter.com/nWTH3FqyJ7
— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) November 20, 2024
“It’s not good, it’s a serious injury. 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,” Cooper said. “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.
“We’ve very much now got to support him in every way we can to make sure his rehab is as smooth and as productive as possible. We hope he can come back a stronger player and person,” he added.
Fatawu, who recently underwent surgery, shared that he is in good spirits as he begins the recovery process. Cooper, meanwhile, remains optimistic about the player’s eventual return.
We’re all with you, Abdul 💙
Steve Cooper has confirmed that our winger will miss the remainder of the season with a serious knee injury. pic.twitter.com/FJZPvNjiMM
— Leicester City (@LCFC) November 21, 2024
“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.”
On Jordan Ayew, Cooper clarified that the forward’s injury, though concerning, is less severe than initially feared.
“It’s not a serious injury contrary to some reports,” Cooper revealed. “The hope is he may be available for the weekend, but we’re a little bit inconclusive on that for the minute.”
There was also encouraging news regarding other Leicester players. Patson Daka is set to make his season debut after returning to full training, while Jamie Vardy and Bobby De Cordova-Reid are also close to full fitness.
“Patson’s back in training. He’s available. Jamie has been back training with the group, but slightly modified, so we’ll see where he is for the weekend,” Cooper said.
Despite the challenges, Cooper is focused on keeping team morale high as Leicester prepares for a packed festive schedule.
“We’re disappointed, particularly with the Abdul situation, but we can’t dwell on these things. I don’t want any negativity. There won’t be any from me,” Cooper said. “This is a real opportunity to bring us even closer together to show who we are. That’s the sign of a strong culture and a strong group.”
Leicester City will face Chelsea at King Power Stadium on Saturday, with kick-off at 12:30 PM GMT.
