French-based Kenyan defender Joseph Okumu ruled out till 2026
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Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 14.08.25. | 19:46
Okumu lasted only 10 minutes in the season opener and was replaced by Abdoul Kone after going down following a nasty collision
Harambee Stars assistant captain Joseph Okumu has been ruled out for the remainder of the year following a nasty knee injury.
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Reims, who ply their trade in the French Ligue 2 after relegation last season, kicked off their campaign against Amiens on Monday, 11 August, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
The game saw the Harambee Stars defender suffer a tear to his left knee ligaments, with such injuries taking months to heal.
Okumu lasted only 10 minutes in the season opener and was replaced by Abdoul Kone after going down following a nasty collision.
With the injury looking scary at first sight, the club was crossing their fingers, awaiting scans, but their fears were later confirmed.
“Initial tests have confirmed a serious ligament injury to the left knee. Further examinations will be conducted over the coming days to determine the exact nature of the injury and to decide on the next steps for his treatment.
Unfortunately, Joseph will be sidelined for several months," Reims posted on their official website on Thursday, 14 August.
Okumu, who joined the French club from Belgian giants KAA Gent in July 2023, has been a key figure for the Champagne, standing tall at the centre of their defense.
The former Chemelil Sugar FC defender played 22 Ligue 1 matches for the club last season, finding the back of the net once and was named the club's player of the month for February.
After the club had a poor 2024/25 season, leading to their relegation from the top tier, Okumu was one of the key figures expected to lead the team back to the top tier.
Prior to the current injury, the Harambee Stars assistant captain has had a difficult past year, struggling with several injuries that have now culminated in ligament damage.
It is yet to be clear whether Okumu suffered a posterior or an anterior ligament injury, but whichever it is, the 28-year-old Green Commandos alumnus will spend not less than six months on the sidelines.
Okumu is therefore expected to miss this year’s Harambee Stars 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which will start with a clash against The Gambia on Friday, 5 September.
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