NAIROBI, March 21 (Xinhua)--Beijing Renhe striker Ayub Timbe has opened up over his knee surgery and says he will be ready for Kenya camp in May ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt from June 21 to July 19.
Timbe, who is holed up in Beijing to complete his rehabilitations, affirmed to his fans on Thursday that he will be back on the pitch to train and gain match fitness by the end of April.
Timbe together with Japan-based Michael Olunga have been omitted from the Kenya team that is headed to Accra to play Ghana in the final AFCON qualifiers on Saturday.
Timbe injured his knee while playing in the Chinese Super League in December for his club Beijing Renhe and went under the knife on Jan. 3, to correct the damage.
He has been out of competition for three months. But he hopes to return with more enthusiasm and energy in May, days before Kenya moves to a three-week training camp in France to prepare for the AFCON finals.
"Five more weeks until action," the Harambee Stars striker said on Thursday. I look forward to the return."
Timbe has been in fine form for Kenya and his club Beijing Renhe and Harambee Stars head coach will have no resistance to thrust him at the deep end of his attacking line-up in Egypt if he proves his fitness in May.
Timbe last played for Kenya team in 2017 against Sierra Leone, but was handed a red card and fine by Confederations of African Football for unsporting behavior.
He has since served his three match ban and has the chance to convince Migne to try him out.
While keeping his fans updated on the progress of his injury, the Kenyan winger also hinted that he might return with a new team.
He had hopes of moving to the English Championship with Reading in January, but the injury threw the spanners in his plans.
However, his current club Beijing Renhe is also in dire need of a striker and will be relieved to have him back in the squad.
