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Okumu sustained the injury during Harambee Stars' 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe's Brave Warriors during their AFCON 2025 qualifying clash last week.
Stade Reims manager Luca Elsner has cast doubt over Joseph Okumu's availability following the Harambee Stars defender's absence in their 1-1 draw against Lyon on Saturday in Ligue 1. Elsner described Okumu’s fitness as a “big question mark,” raising concerns about the player’s long-term fitness.
Okumu returned to Reims from international duty nursing an adductor injury, an issue that has plagued him for over a year. Pulse Sports reliably understands that the injury requires consistent management, limiting his appearances for both club and country.
The 26-year-old has already missed four Ligue 1 matches this season, including a key clash against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). His absence against Lyon was felt, as Reims struggled to capitalize on their opportunities despite Oumar Diakite’s equalizer salvaging a point.
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11:00 - 24.11.2024
Richard Odada helps Dundee United consolidate draw with Rangers as Jonah Ayunga contributes to St. Mirren's win over Aberdeen
Harambee Stars duo Richard Odada and Jonah Ayunga feature for their respective clubs in epic Scottish Premiership encounters.
The injury has also impacted Okumu’s availability for the Harambee Stars. In October 2023, he started on the bench during Kenya’s 4-1 loss to Cameroon in Yaoundé due to the same issue. Ahead of Kenya's 0-0 draw with Namibia, head coach Engin Firat confirmed Okumu had been sent back to his club to prevent aggravating the injury.
“We do not want the injury to worsen, so we have allowed him to go back to his club,” Firat stated at the time.
Okumu’s injury woes have seen him miss key international fixtures, including World Cup qualifiers against Ivory Coast, Burundi, Gabon, and Seychelles in 2023. However, when fit, the towering center-back remains integral to Kenya’s defense, playing a pivotal role in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers, starting in both matches against Zimbabwe and Namibia.
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09:00 - 24.11.2024
Shujaa's George Ooro makes rallying call as stand-in co-captain ahead of HSBC SVNS World Series openers
George Ooro has been named stand-in co-captain alongside Samuel Asati for Kenya's first two legs of the 2024/2025 HSBC SVNS in the absence of Tony Omondi and Vincent Onyala.
Okumu’s recurring fitness challenges highlight the need for cautious management to avoid jeopardizing his career. Reims and Harambee Stars fans alike will be hoping for a swift recovery as the defender’s contributions are vital to both teams.
For now, Reims must navigate Ligue 1 without their defensive stalwart, with Elsner likely relying on squad depth to maintain their competitive edge. Kenya, on the other hand, will need to prepare for upcoming qualifiers without one of their most reliable players.
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