Photo Credit: Leicester City Football Club
Veteran coach, Abdul Karim Zito has stated that, the injury to Ghana winger, Fatawu Issahaku is a big blow to club side, Leicester City and the Black Stars.
The sharp winger ruptured his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiying match in Luanda against Angola where the four time African champions drew 1-1. A successful surgery has since been conducted on Issahaku’s knee but he is expected to be on the sidelines for up to between 6-9 months.
Karim Zito coached Issahaku at the U-17 and the U-20, winning the U-20 AFCON trophy with the latter in 2021 in Mauritania.
Zito said: “His importance to the club is above everybody’s thinking because Fatawu just came in and took over in the starting 11. So it will be a big blow to Leicester City, it is fact because he is a starting player and not just any player, definitely Leicester City will miss him,” Karim Zito told Pan-Africa Football.
The lengthy injury lay-off might see the former Steadfast and Dreams fc forward miss Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in March and Karim Zito admits that it will affect the set up of head coach Otto Addo.
“He [Otto Addo] will not be happy to hear that one of his best players got injured and cannot play for the World Cup qualifiers. No coach will be happy about it but we can’t go against nature’s call so there is nothing he can do. But from now on he has to try and make amendments in place of Fatawu but I wish by the time we begin the World Cup qualifying campaign he might be ok.
“You know in Europe, recovery rates is faster than Africa so I hope and wish that he will recover fast,” Zito added.
Fatawu Issahaku has been a key member of Leicester City, gathering 11 matches with two assists under manager Steve Cooper. Cooper has equally said that missing the Ghana international is a “big blow” for the Foxes in the English Premier League campaign.
"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," said Cooper.
"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."
Leicester City might have Ghana captain Jordan Ayew back for their home clash against Chelsea at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.
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