Togolese defender Homawoo faces lengthy spell out after serious Achilles injury

Togolese international defender Josué Homawoo is expected to be sidelined for several months after suffering a serious Achilles tendon rupture during training with Standard Liège.

The injury occurred on Wednesday, just minutes before the end of a training session, according to reports from Sudinfo, and is set to require surgery in the coming days.

Early indications suggest a recovery period of around three months, which will keep the defender out for a significant portion of the off-season and potentially the start of the next campaign.

The setback is a major blow for both club and country, with Homawoo expected to miss international duty with Togo’s national team, known as the Hawks, during the June fixtures.

It also raises doubts over his availability at the beginning of the 2026/27 season, depending on how his rehabilitation progresses following surgery.

The injury comes at a particularly difficult moment for the defender, who had established himself as a regular starter for Standard Liège during the latter stages of the 2025/26 campaign.

Homawoo had been enjoying consistent playing time in the Belgian Pro League and was seen as an important part of the squad’s defensive structure.

He made 30 appearances this season and contributed one assist, underlining his role as a reliable presence in the team’s back line.

The timing of the injury, late in the season, adds to the disappointment for the player, who had worked his way into a stable run of form and regular selection.

Achilles tendon injuries are among the most serious setbacks for professional footballers, often requiring extended rehabilitation and careful management before a full return to competitive action.

For Standard Liège, the absence of Homawoo leaves a gap in defensive depth at a time when squads are preparing for transitions between seasons.

For Togo, the injury removes one of their experienced international defenders from upcoming fixtures, disrupting preparations as they look to build consistency in future matches.

Homawoo’s situation also highlights the physical demands placed on players competing at a high level in European leagues, where congested schedules and intense training environments increase the risk of muscular and tendon injuries.

Before the setback, the defender had been viewed as one of the more consistent Togolese players performing in Europe, with his regular appearances in Belgium helping to strengthen his international profile.

Attention will now turn to his recovery process following surgery, with medical staff expected to monitor his rehabilitation closely in the coming months.

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Mubarak Haruna
Mubarak Haruna is an emerging force in African football journalism, recognised for his speed, accuracy and ability to break major stories. He specialises in breaking news, match coverage and multimedia storytelling across radio, television and digital platforms.He holds a degree in Journalism from the Ghana Institute of Journalism and has developed his craft within some of Ghana’s leading media organisations. Mubarak has worked with the Multimedia Group, where he served as a sports radio and television presenter at Joy FM, while also contributing as a writer for Myjoyonline.com.Known for his sharp instincts and ability to deliver timely football stories, Mubarak has gained growing recognition for his impactful reporting and dedication to the profession.He is currently the Deputy Managing Editor of African.Football, where he plays a key role in driving editorial operations, breaking major stories and supporting the platform’s mission to deliver fast, reliable and high-quality African football content to a global audience.

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