Leicester City forward Abdul Fatawu has sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury and is set for a prolonged spell on the sidelines, says Manager Steve Cooper.
– Abdul Fatawu could be out for the season with an ACL injury
– Jordan Ayew will be monitored ahead of this Saturday’s visit of Chelsea
– Patson Daka is nearing a return, while Jamie Vardy has trained
– Bobby De Cordova-Reid is recovering from an ‘awkward’ injury
The Ghanian returned from international action earlier this week and Cooper has since confirmed that he could miss the rest of the Premier League campaign. City welcome Chelsea to King Power Stadium on Saturday (12:30pm GMT kick-off).
On the condition of Leicester’s talented No.7, Cooper said: “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.
“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.
“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.
“We were enjoying being on his journey in the Premier League and he was showing the potential he has. 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.”
While the Fatawu update will be disappointing for team-mates and Foxes supporters alike, there was better news concerning other players, including Jordan Ayew and Patson Daka. Daka is in contention to make his first appearance of the season, while Ayew’s condition is not as bad as feared after also picking up an injury on international duty.
Jamie Vardy has trained with the squad this week too, alongside Bobby De Cordova-Reid, who is being monitored.
“Patson’s back in training,” the Manager added. “He’s available. Jamie has been back training with the group, but slightly modified, so we’ll see where he is for the weekend. Jordan has come back injured from international duty.
“It’s not a serious injury contrary to some reports. The hope is he may be available for the weekend but we’re a little bit inconclusive on that for the minute. [De Cordova-Reid] has been on the training pitch. He’s had a cut in the United League Cup game.
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Patson Daka
“It was in an awkward position above the Achilles. It’s been a bit stop-start for him so it’s been frustrating. He trained with us yesterday so the hope is that the cut hasn’t opened up again but it has been frustrating for him.”
With a busy festive fixture schedule on the horizon, Cooper is now eager to ensure that optimism remains high in the camp, despite some disappointing fitness news, and pointed to the opportunities which could open up for others.
“We’ll see,” he said, discussing changes in tactical approach. “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.
“We don’t want negativity around the Club. It’s an opportunity to show how strong the squad can be, no matter who is playing. We’ve seen players have an impact from the bench and those who haven’t started games.
“This is the nature of the squad in the Premier League. You always want a fully fit squad, with everybody competing for places, but that’s not the case. I don’t want any dwelling on it.
“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.”