Gor Mahia have been dealt a major blow in their push for domestic success after confirmation that striker Felix Oluoch is set to undergo surgery next week to address a Grade 2 ACL injury.
The forward will go under the knife on Monday to repair a partial tear of his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), an injury that has now ruled him out for the remainder of the season.
The development comes just weeks after the club had initially confirmed he was sidelined indefinitely with a knee problem.
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Back in January, Gor Mahia revealed that their top scorer had suffered a knee injury, with team doctor Brian Odongo diagnosing him with patellar tendinopathy.
“Felix sustained a knee injury and has been diagnosed with patellar tendinopathy. He is currently undergoing medical management and physical rehabilitation,” Odongo confirmed at the time.
Gor Mahia striker Felix Oluoch set to undergo ACL surgery
However, further assessment has since revealed ligament damage, and the decision has now been made for Oluoch to undergo surgery to correct the Grade 2 ACL tear. The procedure is expected to keep him out for an extended period, effectively ending his involvement in the current campaign.
Oluoch joined Gor Mahia at the start of the season from Posta Rangers F.C. after an impressive spell with the Mailmen. He wasted no time making an impact at K’Ogalo, quickly establishing himself as a key figure in the team’s attack.
Before his initial injury setback, the striker had scored seven goals in the SportPesa League, topping the club’s scoring charts and playing a crucial role in their strong start to the season.
His sharp movement, composure in front of goal and ability to stretch defenses made him an important weapon in Gor Mahia’s title charge.
His absence is a significant setback for the league leaders, who are aiming to reclaim the title after losing last season’s crown to Kenya Police FC. Gor Mahia currently sit at the top of the SportPesa League table with 46 points from 21 matches.
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They have recorded 14 wins the most in the league alongside four draws and just three losses. The team has scored 36 goals; arguably the best attacking side in the SportPesa League and conceded 14, the second-best defensive record in the division.
With Oluoch ruled out, head coach Charles Akonnor will now turn to Ghanaian forwards Ebenezer Asifuah and Ebenezer Aduk-Waw to spearhead the attack as the title race intensifies.
The coming weeks will test Gor Mahia’s squad depth majorly in attack but if their current form is anything to go by, they remain firmly in control of their destiny despite the injury setback.