Harambee Stars Dealt Further Blow as ‘Worrying’ Timeline For Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma’s Return From Injury Revealed

Harambee Stars have been hit with yet another setback after fresh updates from Poland confirmed that defender Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma will not return to action in 2025, raising major concerns ahead of the team’s international engagements.

Ouma, who features for Rakow Częstochowa, has been sidelined since suffering a torn Achilles tendon last September, an injury the Polish club now says rules him out for the remainder of the year. 

The news adds to the growing list of Kenyan players unavailable for selection, and it leaves Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy  with a shrinking pool of defenders as preparations intensify toward the 2027AFCON qualifiers.

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Raków are dealing with a heavy injury crisis after a congested fixture schedule that has seen them play almost every three days since October.

According to Polish publication Transfery,  Head coach Marek Papszun confirmed on that the squad has been stretched to its limits, with multiple key players currently sidelined — Ouma among the long-term absentees.

The latest concern for the Polish giants is Jean Carlos Silva, who suffered a serious shoulder injury in the match against Jagiellonia Białystok. “Unfortunately, it's a serious issue with his shoulder. He is in the hospital,” Papszun told reporters, confirming that the Brazilian is undergoing further tests to determine how long he will be out.

While Raków wait for clarity on Silva’s condition, other injured players are beginning to show signs of recovery. 

Croatian defender Fran Tudor, whose injury was feared to be severe, is expected to return to training this week. Key players Ivi López and Ariel Mosór are also nearing full fitness, while Zoran Arsenić is projected to resume training in mid-November.

However, the long-term cases remain a major concern. Alongside Ouma, midfielder Vladyslav Kochergin, who suffered a torn cruciate ligament, has been ruled out for the rest of the year.

For Harambee Stars, Ouma’s extended absence is a worrying development. The former Gor Mahia and AIK left-back has been one of the national team’s most consistent performers, and his injury leaves a void in a position Kenya has struggled to fill reliably.

With key friendlies and qualifiers on the horizon, Kenya will be forced to explore alternative options in the left-back role as fans hope Marcelo recovers fully and returns stronger in early 2025.