November 21, (THEWILL) – Leicester City’s young Ghanaian winger Abdul Fatawu will miss the entire 2024 football season following a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained during international duty.
The 20-year-old player, who had been instrumental in all 11 league matches for the club this season, suffered the injury during Ghana’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Angola.
Manager Steve Cooper confirmed the devastating news in a press conference ahead of Leicester City’s upcoming home match against Chelsea.
“It is a significant injury for a young player,” Cooper stated, emphasising the challenging nature of an ACL injury for a developing footballer.
Fatawu’s absence represents a considerable setback for the team, which recently made his loan move from Sporting a permanent transfer.
The injury continues a troubling trend in European football, with several high-profile players experiencing similar ligament damages in recent months.
Notable footballers including Manchester City’s Rodri, Real Madrid’s Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal, and Juventus defenders have also been sidelined with comparable injuries, highlighting the physical demands of modern professional football.
Despite the setback, Cooper maintained a supportive stance towards Fatawu, recognising the potential long-term impact on the young athlete’s career.
The winger had been crucial to Leicester City’s promotion from the Championship last season, contributing six goals in 40 appearances and establishing himself as a key team member.
On a slightly positive note, Cooper also addressed another Ghanaian player’s injury concern, Jordan Ayew, suggesting his condition might be less severe.
While Ayew was injured in the same international match, the manager expressed cautious optimism about a potential weekend return.
Leicester City currently sits 15th in the league standings with 10 points, facing a challenging period without their promising young winger.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
