Harambee Stars left-back Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma is approaching a significant return to competitive football after nearly nine months sidelined, providing a valuable uplift for both his club Raków Częstochowa and the national team.
The 29-year-old defender has been absent since August 28, 2025, when he experienced a ruptured Achilles tendon while training with the Polish champions.
The injury prevented him from participating in most of the 2025/2026 season, causing considerable disruption to his club’s performance and Kenya’s defensive arrangements.
Ouma has conducted the majority of his rehabilitation in Nairobi, concentrating on recovery and physical conditioning. He has now rejoined Raków in Poland, where he is completing final medical evaluations before potentially returning to team exercises.
Regarding his rehabilitation, the quick full-back expressed confidence as he prepares for critical return-to-play tests that will confirm his fitness.
“This week I am scheduled to complete the RTP tests. All aspects will be evaluated and hopefully I can commence training with the team. I am extremely eager to return to action,” he stated.
Despite his promising progress, Ouma has excluded the possibility of participating in competitive matches before the conclusion of the current season, choosing a careful strategy to prevent potential setbacks.
His comeback will provide timely reinforcement for Harambee Stars, where he has been a central contributor due to his speed, defensive reliability, and forward contributions from the left wing.
His absence has impacted recent international fixtures, with Kenya compelled to adjust its defensive formation.
At the club level, Raków Częstochowa, one of Poland’s leading teams in recent years, will also be eager to reintegrate the Kenyan international as they prepare for the upcoming season, which may include European competitions.
Should he successfully pass the RTP phase, Ouma is anticipated to progressively return to full training before targeting a competitive comeback at the commencement of the 2026/2027 season.