Harambee Stars: Benni McCarthy Dealt Blow as Key Defender Suffers Injury Ahead of FIFA Series

Harambee Stars will have to rework their defensive strategy after key centre-back Sylvester Owino was sidelined for six weeks with an injury.

The defender sustained the injury during his club Gor Mahia's 3-1 victory against Ulinzi Stars on Sunday at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.

The Harambee Stars defender went down midway through the first half and, after receiving medical attention, was stretchered off the pitch and taken to the hospital.

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Sylvester Owino was replaced by Michael Kibwage, who partnered at the heart of the defence for the rest of the match.

Initial concerns about the injury's severity were later confirmed by medical tests. Gor Mahia's team doctor, Brian Odongo, reported that scans revealed a muscle tear.

"He was referred for further evaluation, where an MRI confirmed a partial tear of the lower medial gastrocnemius muscle belly," Odongo stated.

The defender will now undergo a period of rest and medication, followed by a structured rehabilitation program.

"He is expected to be out for six weeks before returning to play, subject to his recovery progress," the doctor added.

This timeline rules Owino out of the Harambee Stars' upcoming FIFA Series matches in Kigali later this month, compounding Kenya's defensive woes.

The team is already without the injured Collins Sichenje and assistant captain Joseph Okumu, while Denmark-based defender Daniel Anyembe was not named in the squad.

With little time before the tournament, coach Benni McCarthy may need to turn to locally based players. Owino has become a vital player for the national team under McCarthy, featuring in World Cup qualifiers, CHAN assignments, and international friendlies.

His absence is a significant setback for Kenya's defensive stability ahead of the matches in Rwanda. The injury is also a major blow for Gor Mahia as they push for the league title.

"It is a big blow to us, more so at this crucial stage of the season," admitted coach Charles Akonnor. However, he remained optimistic about his squad's depth.

"We will have to find a way on how to navigate with the available players because they are equal to the task. We just hope no setback again in terms of injuries," Akonnor said.

In Sylvester Owino's absence, Frank Odhiambo and Michael Kibwage are expected to anchor the Gor Mahia defence.