The Kenyan international faces a race against time to be fit for Sunday’s Ligue 1 clash at home to Clermont Foot
Joseph Okumu faces a race against time to be involved in his second Ligue 1 game after sustaining an injury early this week.
The Harambee Stars defender played all 90 minutes on his French top-flight debut as his side Stade de Reims suffered a 2-1 loss to Marseille last weekend but could miss Sunday’s home clash to Clermont Foot if he is not fit in time.
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“Joseph Okumu felt some discomfort in his hamstring at the start of the week so he didn’t train much. He adapted today (Friday) so he has a fair chance on Sunday,” Reims coach Will Still said in his pre-match press conference on Friday.
Okumu had the second-highest rating among Reims players, getting a Whoscored rating of 6.9 after an 87 percent pass accuracy, winning three aerial duels while he had two dribbles as well as one tackle against Marseille and Still will be hoping that he is fit for Sunday’s clash which kicks off at 4 pm Kenyan time.
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The former KAA Gent defender was good in the air as well as on the ground as he dealt with most of the threats posed by Marseille while keeping former Arsenal and Barcelona striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang quiet.
He was also a threat in the air, coming close to scoring from headers on two occasions, after connecting well with corners.
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The defender impressed enough to earn a trial at the London-based outfit following his stint for UAE Side Elite Falcons FC.
It is the second time since signing for Reims that Okumu has had discomfort in his hamstring after going down after 21 minutes on his debut for the club during their pre-season game against Spanish side Getafe.
It was later revealed that he had just felt stiffness in his legs due to extensive pre-season training but his new club will now be employing caution as they slowly integrate him into their squad.
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The Kenyan defender was feared to have been injured after going down early before missing Saturday’s friendly against Real Zaragoza.
Reims and Clermont will both aim to bounce back from defeat on the opening weekend of the Ligue 1 season when they clash at the Stade Auguste-Delaune on Sunday.
The hosts suffered the 2-1 loss against Marseille last time out, while the visitors endured a 4-2 thrashing at the hands of Monaco.