Olunga set for extended spell on the sidelines after injury setback

10th December 2023 - by Tony Kipkorir

The Kenyan foward picked up the injury against Persepolis in an Asian Champions League match.

Michael Olunga. PHOTO| Courtesy
SUMMARY
  • The former Gor Mahia player sustained the hamstring injury despite coming from the bench.
  • His injury comes at a time when Al-Duhail are scheduled to play several big matches as they seek to reclaim the Qatar Stars League title.
  • They currently sit fifth in the league standings with 17 points, eight less than leaders Al Sadd.

Harambee Stars and Al-Duhail goal poacher Michael Ogada Olunga confirmed on Saturday night that he had picked up a serious injury that will force him to the sidelines for an extended period.

Olunga made the announcement on his social media platform noting that he will miss a couple of matches.

“A little injury setback. Will be out of action for some time but be back soon. God is my guide everyday,” read his Facebook statement.

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The former Gor Mahia player sustained the hamstring injury in Al-Duhail’s 2-1 win over Persepolis in an Asian Champions League match after coming on as a second half substitute.

Although he only played for a few minutes before being forced off, Olunga scored the goal that made the difference in that game.

Al-Duhail tactician Christopher Galtier had broken the news a few hours earlier in a pre-match press conference stating that the club will miss the services of their dependable striker. 

"We still suffer from absences, the most prominent of which is the team striker Michael Olunga.

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However, we will reach the appropriate formation for this match and choose the elements that will help us achieve the desired result," commented the former Paris Saint Germain manager. 

Olunga’s injury comes at a time when Al-Duhail are scheduled to play several big matches as they seek to reclaim the Qatar Stars League title.

The club is slated to battle it out with Al Sadd on Wednesday, December 13 before facing Al Wakrah on Saturday, December 16.

Galtier also divulged that he will have to give opportunities to young players at this difficult time.

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"The coming period will be full of matches, which will require us to work on preparing a large number of our players.

We will also give opportunities to young players and those who did not participate in the previous period and make changes in the formation for fear of players being exposed to muscle injuries," he explained.

Al Duhail currently sit fifth in the league standings with 17 points, eight less than leaders Al Sadd.

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