Harambee Stars defender Joseph Okumu could be out for the rest of the season for his club after sustaining an injury.
Okumu was stretched off in the 18th minute as Stade de Reims began life in Ligue Two with a 2-2 draw against Amiens on Monday evening at the Auguste-Delaune stadium.
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The club has now confirmed that the defender tore his left knee ligaments with further tests expected to be conducted in the coming days.
“During the match against Amiens SC last Monday, Joseph Okumu was forced to leave the field due to a knee injury. Initial tests have confirmed serious ligament damage to his left knee. Further tests will be conducted in the coming days to determine the exact nature of the injury and determine his next steps in treatment. Joseph will unfortunately be sidelined for several months,” the club said in a statement.
Okumu joined Reims in July 2023 from Gent and has been a key figure in the club’s central defense. His absence is a major setback for coach Karel Geraerts, who will have to reorganize his back line ahead of the league campaign.
Last season where they were relegated from Ligue One, the former Chemelil Sugar FC defender played 22 Ligue 1 matches for Reims, scored one goal, and was named the club’s player of the month in February.
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