Al Duhail deliver update on Michael Olunga’s injury

Qatar Stars League champions Al Duhail have confirmed that Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga suffered a hamstring injury during the Asian Champions League match against Persepolis.

The club, however, did not give a definite period in which the striker is expected to be out or possible return dates.

Update on Olunga

“Medical examinations confirmed that the team’s striker, Michael Olunga, suffered a hamstring injury in his right leg, leading to his recent absence. He will undergo rest before starting a rehabilitation program to rejoin training sessions.

“Olunga sustained the injury during the team’s recent AFC Champions League match versus Persepolis, where he entered as a substitute in the second half, scoring the winning goal, but was unable to complete the match,” Al Duhail confirmed.

Although his injury might not be as serious as previously feared, his absence will mean that Al Duhail will have to depend on someone else for goals in the meantime.

Options

Olunga has been the most dependable goal-getting machine for the Qatari side, and the injury is a blow to the club, whose aim is to defend the league title after elimination from the Champions League.

Olunga has been facing criticism whenever he appears for the national team and fails to score. However, in a recent 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Seychelles he was on target as Kenya won by a margin of 5-0 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

A longer spell on the sidelines will also mean head coach Engin Firat will have to depend on other strikers for future national team duties.

Gor Mahia’s Benson Omala, the current leader in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League season and who recently returned to the Harambee Stars fold, is another viable option, as well as Masud Juma.