Harambee Stars’ Joseph Okumu is back in the lineup for Stade de Reims as they prepare for a crucial league match against Strasbourg on Friday night.
Stade de Reims defender Joseph Okumu is poised for a key return in their upcoming Ligue 1 battle with Strasbourg at Stade Auguste-Delaune II this Friday.
Okumu’s return is a timely boost for Reims, who have been struggling with form and are keen to return to winning ways.
The Kenyan international had been out with a thigh strain sustained in a match against Paris Saint-Germain before the international break.
His absence was keenly felt in Reims’ recent 3-1 loss to Stade Rennes.
Okumu also missed Harambee Stars’ first two matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Gabon and Seychelles, highlighting his importance to both club and country.
Reims has seen a dip in form, with two consecutive losses leaving them fifth in the league standings.
Their last game against Rennes saw them equalize just before half-time, only for Rennes to dominate the second half for a 3-1 win.
Strasbourg, meanwhile, is on a six-game winless run in Ligue 1, though they’ve drawn their last three league matches.
Their latest game ended in a 1-1 draw against Marseille, with Emanuel Emegha’s early goal being neutralized by Jonathan Clauss.
Sitting 14th with 13 points, a win could lift Strasbourg to 11th place.
The historical matchup between the teams shows Reims with 31 wins to Strasbourg’s 18 in their 66 meetings since 1945.
Strasbourg, however, has had recent success against Reims, including a 2-0 win last season. Reims has three home losses this season, while Strasbourg has lost three times on the road.
Reims, usually strong at home, lost to Strasbourg there last season for the first time since 1960.
Strasbourg has struggled to score in three of their last five away Ligue 1 matches.
Reims faces several absences, including Valentin Atangana Edoa, Keito Nakamura, Josh Wilson-Esbrand, Ibrahim Diakite, and the long-term injured Marshall Munetsi.
For Strasbourg, Karol Fila is out, but manager Patrick Vieira has an otherwise strong squad as he aims to end their winless streak.
