Nigeria’s Kenneth Omeruo Not Ready to Play for CFR Cluj Yet, Says Coach Petrescu

CFR Cluj coach Dan Petrescu is unhappy that Nigerian defender Kenneth Omeruo is still not ready to play. Omeruo was expected to help the team in the Europa League, but he hasn’t been able to join training because of a knee injury.

Omeruo, 31, joined Romanian club CFR Cluj this summer after leaving Turkish side Kasimpasa. He was signed to replace Andrei Burcă, who moved to China.

However, Omeruo has not played or trained with the team yet due to his injury.

“Omeruo is not ready,” said Coach Petrescu before the team’s 0-0 draw with Hungarian club Paksi FC. “He has a serious knee problem. We’re trying to fix it, but he can’t train with the team right now. When he can train normally, then he can play.”

Because of the injury, Omeruo was not included in the squad for the Europa League match against Paksi FC.

Omeruo has played 69 times for Nigeria’s national team and was last seen in action in September 2024. Since leaving Kasimpasa, he has been trying to recover from a meniscus problem in his knee.

CFR Cluj’s president, Cristi Balaj, still believes signing Omeruo was a good decision.

“He has played many times for Nigeria. His injury is serious, but we believe he will recover and help the team,” said Balaj.

Omeruo began his European career in 2012 with Chelsea but never played for their first team. He spent time on loan at clubs in the Netherlands, England, and Spain before moving permanently to Leganés, and later returning to Turkey.

CFR Cluj hopes the experienced defender will recover soon and be able to support the team this season