Leicester winger Abdul Fatawu will miss the rest of the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
The 20-year-old has been a bright spark among a struggling Leicester side this season but suffered the serious knee injury while on international duty with Ghana and underwent surgery on Wednesday to fix the issue.
The difficult news did not give boss Steve Cooper the best start to preparation for the Foxes’ return to action weekend as his team prepare to welcome Chelsea to the King Power Stadium for the lunchtime kick-off on Saturday.
Cooper told a press conference: ‘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.
Leicester City’s Abdul Fatawu has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign
Fatawu picked up an anterior cruciate ligament injury while on international duty with Ghana
Boss Steve Cooper has expressed his disappointment but does not want to ‘dwell’ on the injury
‘It’s difficult news – 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.’
Cooper welcomed his side back to training following the latest international break and will now set their sights on a busy Christmas schedule as they aim to pull away from the relegation zone.
The Foxes sit three points above the drop, without a win in their last three, and things do not get easier with high-flying Chelsea next on the agenda.
The Leicester boss insists he does not want any negativity inside the club.
Cooper added: ‘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.’