CFR Cluj manager Dan Petrescu has voiced frustration over the continued unavailability of Nigerian centre-back Kenneth Omeruo, whose anticipated impact on the Romanian side’s European campaign is yet to materialise, Soccernet.ng reports.
Omeruo, 31, joined Cluj on a free transfer earlier this summer after leaving Turkish club Kasimpasa. He was seen as an experienced replacement for Andrei Burcă, who left for a lucrative move to China.
However, the former Chelsea defender has yet to kick a ball or train with his new teammates due to a lingering knee injury.
Speaking ahead of Cluj’s goalless draw against Hungary’s Paksi FC in the Europa League qualifying round, Petrescu expressed concern over Omeruo’s fitness.
“Omeruo is not ready. I don’t know if you know, but he has a big problem with his knee,” said Petrescu.
“We are trying to solve his problem, we are trying to get him back on his feet. When he trains normally with the team, he will have a chance to play. Until then, he cannot train with the team.”
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The Nigerian defender was notably absent from Cluj’s UEFA registration list for the Paksi clash, further underlining the seriousness of the injury.
Petrescu’s comments have raised questions over how soon the club can expect to utilise a player signed to shore up their backline.
Omeruo, who captained Nigeria at various levels and has earned 69 caps for the Super Eagles, was last seen in competitive action in September 2024.
Since his departure from Kasimpasa earlier this year, he has been working his way back to fitness.
Despite his long absence, CFR Cluj president Cristi Balaj has backed the decision to bring him in.
“He is a player who has 69 appearances for the Nigerian national team. He had a medical situation with his meniscus, but the important thing is to recover and return to full fitness,” Balaj told Liga DigiSport.
“When you are captain of the Nigerian national team, you can’t help but have quality. He plays as a central defender, and if he returns to form, it will be beneficial for everyone.”
Omeruo’s career has taken him across Europe. He joined Chelsea in 2012 and, while never featuring for their senior team, was loaned to several clubs including ADO Den Haag, Middlesbrough, and Leganés, who eventually signed him permanently for €5 million.
After five seasons in Spain, he returned to Turkey for a second spell at Kasimpasa before joining Cluj.
While his leadership and international pedigree are undeniable, the Romanian side must now wait patiently to see if Omeruo can recover in time to make an impact this season.