Leicester suffer huge Premier League survival blow as 'big talent' ruled out for season
Abdul Fatawu suffered a knee injury playing for Ghana in Angola last week and the 20-year-old - who has caught the eye of Gary Lineker this term with his displays - won't play again this season
by Neil Moxley · The MirrorSteve Cooper says Leicester City can’t get down about Abdul Fatawu’s long-term absence.
The Foxes’ boss was hit with the news the promising 20-year-old winger had suffered an ACL injury while playing for Ghana against Angola last week. Fatawu has caught the eye this season - most notably that of Leciester fan and Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker who has been singing the winger’s praises.
But Cooper says his squad needs to put that to the back of their minds ahead of Enzo Maresca’s return with Chelsea on Saturday. He said: “It’s not good news - it’s serious. It’s an ACL injury that will rule him out for the rest of the season.
“It’s a real blow - first and foremost for him - to happen at such a young age as well. He’s obviously a big talent and as an exciting a talent as can be. He’s young and has a lot to learn but he was on a journey stepping into the Premier League and showing the potential he has.
“It’s only a pause in his career. As dfficult as it is for him, it’s important he comes back stronger. But we can’t dwell on these situations.
“You won’t get any negativity from me or around the club. We’ll use this an an opportunity to show how strong the squad is.”
Lady Luck has not smiled down on Cooper during the international break. As well as Fatawu, Jordan Ayew returned with a knee injury with Ghana reporting ‘serious issues’ although they were played down during the pre-match briefing. Ricardo Pereira has already been ruled out for four months with a hamstring tear and Facundo Buonanotte is suspended after picking up five yellow cards.
Cooper added: “It’s the nature of the beast in the Premier League. Of course, you always want a fully fit squad competing for places but that can’t always be the case. We’re going through a phase of injury at the moment - but I don’t want any negativity.
“It will bring us closer together. To show who we are. We have to roll up our sleeves, stick together and own the shirt and the badge.”
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