Gillingham head coach Gareth Ainsworth has provided a fresh injury update on Harambee Stars midfielder Zech Obiero.Download our Mozzart Sport App for more newsThe update revealed that the youngster could spend up to two months on the sidelines after damaging both hamstrings.Obiero, who joined Gillingham on loan from Leyton Orient on transfer deadline day, suffered the injuries just 15 minutes into his debut during the club’s 4-1 English Football League (EFL) League Two victory away to Rochdale on Saturday, 5 September.##NAJAVA_MECA_9962403##Ainsworth revealed that the 21-year-old faces a lengthy spell out but remains confident he will return strongly from the setback.“I think it will be a sustained period on the touchline. Terrible for him to start his Gillingham career that way, but it's football,” Ainsworth told BBC Radio Kent.“I'd sign him again tomorrow. I know exactly what he brings us, but he's a strong boy, and he'll come back stronger than ever.”Harambee Stars hit by double injury blow ahead of 2027 AFCON qualifiersThe youngster’s injury is a setback for both Gillingham and Harambee Stars, with the midfielder having been included in coach Benni McCarthy’s preliminary squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.His absence is expected to rule him out of Kenya’s matches against Eritrea and Guinea later this month, while his availability for the November double-header against South Africa could also be affected depending on his recovery.The midfielder was brought in by Ainsworth on deadline day to provide additional options after winger Kadeem Harris suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury that is expected to keep him out for most of the season.##NAJAVA_MECA_9962435##Despite losing Obiero almost immediately after his arrival, the Gillingham head coach said he had no regrets about the decision to sign the Kenyan.The former West Ham United midfielder had impressed at Leyton Orient before making the temporary switch to Gillingham, with the League Two side hoping to benefit from his versatility and attacking qualities.Kenya name provisional squad for U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiersObiero’s setback adds to Kenya’s growing injury concerns ahead of the AFCON qualifiers, with Louis Millard, Deon Woodman, Stanley Wilson, and Daniel Anyembe also among players dealing with injuries.
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