Harambee Stars defender resumes training with French club after eight-month injury lay off
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Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 07.03.26. | 20:22
The setback forced the dependable defender into a prolonged rehabilitation programme, sidelining him during a crucial phase of the club’s campaign
Harambee Stars assistant captain Joseph Okumu has taken a significant step towards full recovery after returning to contact training with French side Stade de Reims, bringing an end to a frustrating spell on the sidelines.
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The towering centre-back had been out of action for six months after suffering a serious knee ligament injury that ruled him out during the early stages of the ongoing French Ligue 2 campaign.
Okumu, who previously turned out for Swedish side IF Elfsborg, sustained the injury to his left knee during Reims’ opening league match of the 2025/26 season against Amiens SC.
The setback forced the dependable defender into a prolonged rehabilitation programme, sidelining him during a crucial phase of the club’s campaign.
However, in a promising development for both club and country, Reims confirmed the Kenyan defender’s progress through an update on their social media platforms.
The club shared images of Okumu back in training with his teammates as preparations intensify ahead of their upcoming league fixture against USL Dunkerque.
🤝 Le Stade de Reims met à l’honneur @ReimsLegendR et la @_LICRA_, qui figureront sur les équipements professionnels jusqu’à la fin de la saison.
— Stade de Reims (@StadeDeReims) March 6, 2026
Le SDR est fier de valoriser ces entités en accord avec ses valeurs et son ancrage local.
🗞️ Le communiqué 👉… pic.twitter.com/hpw9LIxOdI
“As we wait for Dunkerque,” the club captioned the update, hinting at growing optimism over the defender’s imminent return to competitive action.
Okumu’s return to full training is expected to provide a timely boost for Reims as they push for promotion back to the French top flight, the Ligue 1.
The club currently occupy third place on the 18-team league table with 42 points, six behind leaders ES Troyes AC.
The Kenya international has been a vital presence at the heart of defence since joining the club, and his return could strengthen Reims’ backline as the promotion race intensifies in the closing stages of the season.
Reims were relegated last season after finishing 16th on the Ligue 1 table at the close of the last campaign.
For Harambee Stars, Okumu’s recovery also comes as welcome news, with the experienced defender widely regarded as a key pillar in the national team setup.