Gor Mahia have received a major boost ahead of the new season after forward Patrick Essombe returned to full training and was cleared for selection following an ankle injury.
Team doctor Brian Odongo confirmed on Thursday that Essombe had completed his recovery from the injury he picked up during the CECAFA Kagame Cup in Rwanda, giving coach Charles Akonnor another attacking option as the Kenyan champions prepare for a demanding domestic and continental campaign.
“Patrick has fully recovered from his ankle injury and is now training well and available for selection,” Odongo said.
Essombe’s return comes as Gor Mahia step up preparations for a season that will see them defend their domestic title while also competing in the CAF Champions League.
The forward was one of several players who missed Gor Mahia’s opening Green Legacy Cup match against newly promoted Migori Youth on August 16 because of injuries. The champions fell two goals behind before fighting back to force a 2-2 draw at Nyayo National Stadium and eventually winning 4-3 on penalties.
The victory handed Akonnor’s side their first silverware of the new campaign, although the match also exposed concerns over the team’s fitness levels.
Gor Mahia were back in action on August 23 when they met Tusker in the FKF Super Cup at Nyayo Stadium. They lost 3-1 as preparations for the competitive season continued.
Before their domestic assignments, the champions had taken part in the CECAFA Kagame Cup in Rwanda, where they advanced to the final but were beaten 2-1 by Rayon Sports at Amahoro Stadium.
Essombe’s availability now gives Akonnor more options in attack as Gor Mahia prepare for their biggest early-season test against Egyptian champions Pyramids FC in the CAF Champions League.
The two sides will meet in the first preliminary round, with the opening leg scheduled for September 6 at Nyayo Stadium before the return fixture in Cairo on September 13.
While Essombe has returned, Gor Mahia are still waiting on captain and defender Sylvester Owino, who remains in rehabilitation after suffering a calf muscle injury during preparations for the CECAFA tournament.
Odongo said Owino had made progress but was still working through the final stages of his recovery.
“Sylvester has made good progress following his calf muscle injury and is currently in the final phase of his rehabilitation with a focus on specific sport-related training as he works toward a full return to competitive football.”
Owino had already missed Gor Mahia’s opening CECAFA Kagame Cup match after picking up a slight sprain in training. His absence continues to leave Akonnor with a concern at the back ahead of the club’s continental assignment.
Gor Mahia’s injury problems have affected several players during the pre-season. Samuel Kapen, Felix Oluoch, Essombe and Owino were all unavailable for the Green Legacy Cup encounter against Migori Youth.
The club suffered another blow in the FKF Super Cup defeat to Tusker when midfielder Lawrence Juma fractured his forearm. He is expected to spend at least four weeks on the sidelines.
Essombe’s return therefore comes at a welcome time for Akonnor as he manages a squad facing a crowded schedule.
Gor Mahia will be aiming to keep hold of their domestic crown while making a strong push in the CAF Champions League. Their first meeting with Pyramids will provide a stern test, with the Egyptian champions standing between the Kenyan side and progress in the competition.
With Essombe now back in full training and Owino entering the final stage of rehabilitation, Gor Mahia will be hoping their injury list continues to shrink before their continental campaign gets underway in September.