England-based Harambee Stars prospect set for early comeback from career-threatening injury
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 13.10.25. | 08:47
Matazo has been sidelined since February, shortly after joining Hull City from AS Monaco, when he suffered a serious ACL injury
Harambee Stars-eligible midfielder Eliot Matazo is on course for an earlier-than-expected return from injury, offering both Hull City and potentially Kenya a major boost.
The 23-year-old, who was born in Belgium to a Congolese father and Kenyan mother, remains eligible to represent Harambee Stars at senior level.
He has featured for Belgium’s youth teams.
Matazo had been sidelined since February, shortly after joining Hull City from AS Monaco, when he suffered a serious ACL injury during a league match against Cardiff City.
Initial medical reports projected a return around Christmas, but the midfielder’s strong progress in rehabilitation has put him ahead of schedule.
Hull boss Sergej Jakirovic confirmed that Matazo has set himself a target of being back on the pitch in November, although the Croatian coach remains cautious about rushing him back too soon.
“It is going well, and he promised me he willl be back in November, but we are looking forward,” Jakirovic told Hull Live. “I hope so, but from my experience with Mo Belloumi and Liam Millar, it could be December if everything goes well.”
Matazo had made a bright start to life in England, even scoring early in his Hull career before the injury setback.
His impending comeback would complete the club’s recovery cycle from last season’s ACL crisis, with teammates Belloumi and Millar already back in first-team action.
Jakirovic praised Matazo’s influence and potential impact once fully fit, while also expressing concern over the growing number of ACL injuries in modern football.
“He is a very good player, and we saw glimpses of that before the injury,” the coach added. “Right now, ACL injuries are one of football’s biggest challenges. Maybe it is the boots, the pitches, or the number of games — we are not sure.”
If Matazo maintains his current recovery pace, his return could mark not just a key reinforcement for Hull City but also rekindle interest from Kenya’s national team, who continue to monitor his progress closely.
