Harambee Stars head coach Sebastian Migne had downplayed injury fears about Victor Wanyama after the midfielder hobbled off during Kenya’s 3-0 win over Ethiopia in Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
The Tottenham Hotspur powerhouse was substituted in the 72nd minute with an apparent hamstring injury after falling to the turf clutching his thigh following a cross.
However, the French coach has since allayed concerns about the 27-year-old’s fitness, and revealed that he was replaced as a precaution, having earlier netted a 67th-minute penalty.
“The injury was not serious,” Migne told journalists. “At 3-0, there was no need to take a risk with him after he pulled a muscle in his left leg.
“He is our captain, and we need him to be fully fit for a final match in November against Sierra Leone, if they are reinstated.
The news will come as a relief to Wanyama following the midfielder’s major misfortune with injuries in recent seasons.
He managed just eight Premier League starts last term after struggling with cartilage problems, and has featured only three times this term – all from the bench – after picking up a knee injury during the offseason.
Despite an excellent international break in which Kenya have taken four points to take a giant step towards next summer’s finals in Cameroon, both Migne and Wanyama have called for caution as the Harambee Stars look to get over the line.
“I think we are on the way and this win is huge,” Migne told journalists as per Futaa. “We are not yet there and we have to remain humble.
“We will see if we play next month against Sierra Leone but I am happy because I know we can now dream.”
“There was no way we could let down the fans, and now the journey to AFCON continues,” Wanyama added. “We will keep working hard in every game and ensure we get results.”