Leicester City manager Steve Cooper has confirmed that winger Abdul Fatawu will miss the remainder of the season due to a “serious” knee injury.
The 20-year-old sustained the injury while playing for Ghana in their draw with Angola during the international break.
“It’s not good, it’s a serious injury,” said Leicester boss Steve Cooper, whose side host Chelsea in the top flight on Saturday (12:30 GMT).
“He’s had an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury that is going to rule him out for the rest of the season.
“It’s a real blow, first and foremost for him, being a young player and having an injury as serious as what an ACL is.
“Albeit, it can be quite common in sport and in particular 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 as well.”
Fatawu played a key role in Leicester’s promotion last season and has made 11 league appearances for the club this campaign.
He was instrumental in their 3-2 comeback victory over Southampton on 21 October, coming on in the second half to help the Foxes recover from a 2-0 deficit. He had started the club’s three games since that match before being sidelined by his injury.
“This guy is absolutely lightning, he’s a brilliant player to come off the bench. He probably should be starting, he’s a brilliant talent,” said former Premier League goalkeeper Shay Given after Fatawu’s performance against the Saints.
Leicester are 15th in the Premier League with 10 points from their opening 11 games.
“He’s obviously a big talent and a young player, as exciting as he can be at his age, with lots to learn,” added Cooper.
“It’s only a pause and we will make sure, as difficult as it is at the moment for him, that he comes back being a stronger player and person, which with the mentality and character that he has, I think will be the case.”