Omeruo Struggles with Knee Injury, Not Yet Ready for CFR Cluj Debut
CFR Cluj manager Dan Petrescu has revealed that Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo is still struggling with a knee issue and has yet to join the team’s training sessions. The Nigerian international, who arrived this summer on a free transfer after leaving Turkish side Kasimpasa, was included on the bench during Cluj’s goalless draw with Hungary’s Paksi FC in the Europa League qualifiers, but did not feature on the pitch.
"He is not ready. I don’t know if you know, but he has a big problem with his knee," Petrescu noted. "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".
Omeruo signed with the Romanian champions after terminating his contract with Kasimpasa in February. The 31‑year‑old revealed earlier this year that he underwent knee surgery in October and only resumed light training in January while recovering in Spain.
Editorial
We appreciate CFR Cluj’s cautious approach towards Kenneth Omeruo’s recovery. In elite sport, rushing a player back from injury often leads to setbacks. We believe that affording Omeruo the necessary time and personalised support reflects professional integrity and long-term thinking.
Omeruo’s experience gained from stints in Europe and Turkey brings significant value, but it must be preserved with patience. Once fully fit, his composure and leadership at the back could bolster Cluj’s defence in both domestic and European competitions. Yet, until he completes rehabilitation, the risk remains too high.
We urge Cluj to maintain their current strategy of specialist care and tailored conditioning. By doing so, they safeguard not just Omeruo’s physical health but also potential impact on the pitch.
CFR Cluj manager Dan Petrescu has revealed that Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo is still struggling with a knee issue and has yet to join the team’s training sessions. The Nigerian international, who arrived this summer on a free transfer after leaving Turkish side Kasimpasa, was included on the bench during Cluj’s goalless draw with Hungary’s Paksi FC in the Europa League qualifiers, but did not feature on the pitch.
"He is not ready. I don’t know if you know, but he has a big problem with his knee," Petrescu noted. "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".
Omeruo signed with the Romanian champions after terminating his contract with Kasimpasa in February. The 31‑year‑old revealed earlier this year that he underwent knee surgery in October and only resumed light training in January while recovering in Spain.
Editorial
We appreciate CFR Cluj’s cautious approach towards Kenneth Omeruo’s recovery. In elite sport, rushing a player back from injury often leads to setbacks. We believe that affording Omeruo the necessary time and personalised support reflects professional integrity and long-term thinking.
Omeruo’s experience gained from stints in Europe and Turkey brings significant value, but it must be preserved with patience. Once fully fit, his composure and leadership at the back could bolster Cluj’s defence in both domestic and European competitions. Yet, until he completes rehabilitation, the risk remains too high.
We urge Cluj to maintain their current strategy of specialist care and tailored conditioning. By doing so, they safeguard not just Omeruo’s physical health but also potential impact on the pitch.