Despite all of the negatives surrounding Leicester's year, there is one promising glimmer of hope. Issahaku Fatawu should be making his return to the pitch during the 2025-2026 campaign. The recovery from an ACL injury can vary. Considering his last match, during the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, was in late November, happening when it did, it's safe to assume that he will be back at the latest by January.
The timetable for such an injury is typically nine months to a year. Depending on if there are further setbacks or slowed progress during his continued rehab, his return date could be pushed back. For the most part, seeing him during this calendar year is a reasonable expectation, and the club hasn't released anything to suggest that there has been any further negative development for the winger.
Attacking from the outside and showing that willingness to create and take chances, his absence was very noticeable during the final months of the season. Fatawu adds that needed flair and quality that is needed to break the opposition down. Too often, these elements were missing for LCFC.
Assuming Jamie Vardy returns as well, the Ghanaian also does a good job of sending service into the box. While a lot is often made of the skipper having 'lost a step,' the crosses from Fatawu would have an easy time of finding the captain's head. At the very least, it would pose a threat to the opposing goal, which is not something that has been said too often when discussing the Foxes.
Having only turned 21 years old, the winger gives City one area that they will not need to worry about when they play in the Championship next season. Going down a level and returning off a serious injury, being in England's second division of play should allow him to find his footing again with relative ease.
Cornerstone for Leicester to rely on
Considering his current contract is in place until 2029, he is a promising young talent for City to plan around for their future. It's clear that the attack needs him, and among the list of potential departures, having someone who can be relied on when he turns is something of a comfort factor for Leicester.
Even if Fatawu ends up missing the first couple of months of the season, his return would then help to re-energize the side, and the staff will know the production that will come from RW upon his return. Many will happily applaud and be excited to watch when the Ghana international steps on the pitch again.