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Michael Olunga set for return to action after injury disruption
21st August, 2026 01:25 PM
Kenyan international striker Michael Olunga is set to make his long-awaited return to action as Al-Arabi SC kick off their 2026/27 Qatar Stars League campaign against Al Shamal at the Al Thumama Stadium.
The match is scheduled for a 7:30 pm kickoff in the home opener, forming part of an exciting opening-day slate that also sees Al Gharafa face Al Shahania at the Khalifa International Stadium at 5:15 pm.
Frustrating period
The clash marks a major milestone for the Harambee Stars skipper following a frustrating period disrupted by both regional conflict and physical setbacks. The 2025/26 Qatari top flight was initially suspended in March 2026 due to fighting in the Middle East.
Shortly after the league resumed, Olunga was officially ruled out on April 2, 2026, after suffering from persistent pelvic discomfort that required corrective surgery in France and an extended rehabilitation program.
The timing of the injury proved particularly unfortunate for the prolific forward, who had firmly established himself in the team’s leadership group and regularly captained Al-Arabi across all competitions throughout 2025 and early 2026.
His last official appearance before the layoff came on March 13, 2026, in a 1-1 draw against Al Ahli Doha.
FKF PL final guest
In total, the former Al Duhail star missed eight matches during his recovery phase, and Al-Arabi missed his goalscoring presence down the stretch. The club ultimately finished the 2025/26 season in seventh place, tied on 32 points with Qatar SC but trailing on goal difference, while Al-Sadd captured the league title with 45 points.
During his off-season recovery, Olunga spent time back home in Kenya and made a high-profile appearance as a guest during the final day of the 2025/26 FKF Premier League season.
There, he watched his former club Gor Mahia clinch their 22nd league crown in a dramatic title race against arch-rivals AFC Leopards.
Now fully rehabilitated, the talismanic striker turns his focus back to Qatar as he looks to spearhead Al-Arabi’s attack in his second season.
Al Wakrah and Qatar SC played out an exciting 2-2 draw, while Al Rayyan chugged past debutants Lusail 1-0 in their respective opening games of the Qatar Stars League season opener on Thursday.
