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Okumu has not taken part in Stade Reims' last two Ligue 1 clashes, including their 1-1 draw with PSG due to an adductor issue.
Harambee Stars have been handed a significant boost ahead of their crucial double-header against Cameroon in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, as Stade Reims head coach Luka Elsner provided an encouraging update on defender Joseph Okumu’s recovery from injury.
Okumu, who missed Reims’ recent 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain due to a groin injury, is making steady progress.
The towering defender had sustained the injury in training, ruling him out of the last two matches against Nantes and PSG. Before his setback, Okumu had been a key figure in Reims’ defense, starting all three of their opening fixtures.
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"Joseph Okumu is absent because of an injury to the abductor sustained in training and we will have to assess each week, but he was not ready for the PSG match," Elsner confirmed during a recent press briefing.
In Okumu's absence, Reims turned to the Ivorian duo of Cedric Kipre and Emmanuel Agbadou, who impressed in the 2-1 win over Nantes before holding French champions PSG to a 1-1 draw.
Despite the setback, the positive news from Elsner will be music to the ears of Kenyan football fans. As Okumu continues his rehabilitation, Elsner has hinted at a potential return soon, adding hope for Harambee Stars.
"Joseph Okumu is progressing well, but it is still too tight. We will take another look at the start of next week to possibly hope for a comeback against Montpellier," Elsner shared during his pre-match press conference ahead of Reims' clash with Angers.
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With the AFCON qualifiers approaching, Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat will be keen to have Okumu back to full fitness. The defender played a vital role in Kenya's opening matches of the campaign, featuring in both games against Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Kenya and Cameroon are currently level on four points in their qualifying group, and the upcoming double-header in October will likely define the rest of their journey.
Firat will be counting on all his key players to secure a favorable result in the two-legged affair, with Okumu’s presence in the backline crucial to Kenya’s defensive stability.
The first leg is scheduled for October 7, with the return leg set for October 15. A strong performance against the Indomitable Lions would put Kenya in pole position to qualify for the continental showpiece.
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