Ghanaian winger Abdul Fatawu Issahaku made an emotional return to the pitch for Leicester City over the weekend, featuring for the first time in more than seven months after a lengthy injury layoff.
The 21-year-old came on as a second-half substitute in the Foxes’ preseason friendly win over Hungarian side Zalaegerszeg, his first appearance in 215 days since suffering a serious knee injury while representing Ghana.
Issahaku had been sidelined since November 2024, when he damaged his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) during Ghana’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Angola.
He was forced off at halftime in that game after feeling discomfort in his knee, and the Ghana Football Association later confirmed the extent of the damage.
In the days that followed, Fatawu underwent surgery and took to Instagram to reassure his supporters of a comeback.
The long road to recovery kept the former Sporting CP talent out for the rest of Leicester’s 2023/24 season.
Before his injury, Issahaku had made 11 league appearances for the Foxes, registering two assists and quickly becoming one of the Foxes’ brightest attacking outlets.
On Saturday, July 19, 2025, he finally pulled on a Leicester shirt again, replacing Will Alves in the 68th minute.
Just two minutes later, teammate Jordan Ayew sealed the win with a 70th-minute strike, capping a double celebration for Ghanaian fans watching the match.
Issahaku’s comeback adds to the options available for new manager Marti Cifuentes, who will be looking to get his team ready for the new season in the Championship.
FKA/MA