Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia have been hit by a major injury setback, with three key players facing lengthy spells on the sidelines.
Winger Samuel Kapen has suffered the most serious injury after being diagnosed with a complete tear of the interior cruciate ligament sustained during Gor Mahia’s latest match against Garde Republicaine of Djibouti.
Kapen is expected to be unavailable for between six months and one year, dealing a significant blow to Gor Mahia as the club prepares for the upcoming campaign.
The winger’s injury is the most serious of three setbacks to affect the Kenyan champions, with forward Patrick Essombe and defender Sylvester Owino also ruled out for two months.
Essombe has been diagnosed with a torn ligament after making an important contribution during Gor Mahia’s recent campaign.
The forward scored a spectacular goal against APR before setting up a crucial goal in the club’s final group-stage match. His absence for the next two months leaves Gor Mahia without a player who had played an influential role in their attacking efforts.
Owino will also spend the same period on the sidelines after suffering a right calf sprain.
The three injuries leave Gor Mahia’s technical team facing difficult decisions as it plans for the new campaign.
Kapen’s extended absence is likely to be the biggest concern, with the winger potentially missing a substantial part of the season depending on the length of his rehabilitation.
The club’s medical department is now working with all three players as they begin their respective recovery programmes.
Gor Mahia will be hoping the rehabilitation process allows the players to return to full fitness as quickly and safely as possible, although Kapen’s injury means his recovery is expected to take considerably longer than those of Essombe and Owino.
The injuries come at an important stage for the Kenyan champions, who must now assess their available options before the start of the upcoming campaign.
The technical bench will have to cope without Essombe and Owino for two months, while Kapen faces the possibility of being unavailable for as long as a year.
The club’s medical team will continue to provide rehabilitation and support to the three players throughout their recovery.
For Gor Mahia, the immediate priority will be managing the impact of the injuries while ensuring the affected players receive appropriate treatment.
The club has not indicated that any of the three players will require a change in their rehabilitation plans, but the length of Kapen’s expected absence makes his recovery a particularly significant concern.
The injury setback leaves Gor Mahia with a demanding period ahead as the champions prepare for their next campaign without three members of their squad.
