Nigeria’s Kenneth Omeruo, a key signing for CFR Cluj, is still struggling with a knee injury that has kept him out of action since joining the Romanian side on a free transfer earlier this summer. The 31-year-old defender was expected to bring experience and leadership to Cluj’s backline, but his injury has forced him to miss training sessions and the team’s recent Europa League qualifier against Paksi FC.
CFR Cluj manager Dan Petrescu has expressed frustration over Omeruo’s continued unavailability, saying: “Omeruo is not ready. I don’t know if you know, but he has a big problem with his knee. We are trying to solve his problem, we are trying to get him back on his feet. When he trains normally with the team, he will have a chance to play. Until then, he cannot train with the team.”
The Nigerian defender was notably absent from Cluj’s UEFA registration list for the Paksi clash, further underlining the seriousness of the injury. Omeruo has been working his way back to fitness since his departure from Kasimpasa earlier this year, but it seems like he still has a long way to go before he can make his debut for Cluj.
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Despite Omeruo’s injury issues, CFR Cluj president Cristi Balaj has backed the decision to bring him in, saying: “He is a player who has 69 appearances for the Nigerian national team. He had a medical situation with his meniscus, but the important thing is to recover and return to full fitness. When you are captain of the Nigerian national team, you can’t help but have quality. He plays as a central defender, and if he returns to form, it will be beneficial for everyone.”
Omeruo’s career has taken him across Europe, playing for clubs like Chelsea, ADO Den Haag, Middlesbrough, and Leganés. He joined Cluj on a free transfer after leaving Kasimpasa earlier this summer.
Kenneth Omeruo
While his leadership and international pedigree are undeniable, the Romanian side must now wait patiently to see if Omeruo can recover in time to make an impact this season.
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Kenneth Omeruo’s injury is a significant setback for CFR Cluj, who were counting on his experience and leadership in their backline. The club will have to be patient and wait for Omeruo to recover from his knee injury before they can see him in action. With his international pedigree and experience, Omeruo has the potential to make a big impact for Cluj when he returns to fitness.
