Kenya forward Jonah Ayunga nearing return after rupturing ACL

Kenyan forward Jonah Ayunga is making strides toward his return to action after a lengthy absence since January due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained against Motherwell in the cinch Premiership.

The 26-year-old forward had to be substituted off the pitch after an accidental collision with a Motherwell defender, and he has been sidelined since that unfortunate incident.

Jonah Ayunga surgery

In March, Ayunga underwent surgery to address the ACL injury and has been working on his rehabilitation under the guidance of Gerry Docherty, the Head of Physiotherapy.

While there is still some time before he can make a full return, Jonah is making steady progress, with hopes of rejoining the team before the end of the year.

Gerry Docherty provided insights into Jonah's rehabilitation journey, stating he is progressing well.

"He's progressed through the stages of the rehabilitation from his stress work to range of movement and balance work. He's done all that but it's ongoing during all the phases.

"He's now approaching the late stages of his rehab. He's been running, he's been out on the pitch doing some ball work and joined in a couple of the warm-ups with the lads.

"We're now just integrating more agility drills, change of direction, getting faster at doing these and we'll eventually get him involved with other players around him which is the 'chaos' and is more reactive.

"He's still around six weeks away, but we are optimistic we can make that transition over the next month or so and he'll be close to hopefully joining in sometime in early October," he told the club's official portal.

"He's now reaching the advanced stages of his rehab. Jonah has been running and participating in pitch-based ball work, even joining in a few warm-up routines with the team. We are now incorporating more agility drills, change of direction exercises, and increasing speed in his training. Eventually, he'll engage in sessions with other players, introducing elements of 'chaos' and reactivity."

Ayunga is estimated to be around six weeks away from a full return, but there is optimism that he will be close to rejoining the team in early October.

Jonah Ayunga's appearances

Ayunga, who joined St. Mirren from Morecambe FC in June 2022, had made a significant impact, scoring seven goals in 24 appearances for the club before his injury.

Speaking about his progress, Jonah stated, "I feel good. I've been upping it quite a lot on the grass and doing a lot more dynamic stuff like change of direction, passing, getting used to moving and kicking the ball again so it's been a good couple of weeks.

"I think I'm just over six months since the surgery so to be where I am is probably ahead of where I thought I was going to be and just getting these last few bits ticked off and then I can be back in training. 

"I trust Gerry and everything he gives me to do so when he gives me something to do I give it 100% and see how I react to it.

"Watching the boys doing well, knowing that if I was out on the pitch that I could be adding something else as well, I can't wait to be back. The surgeon was happy with everything so we can just crack on with things." he added.

Ayunga's return is eagerly awaited by the team, with the striker expressing his eagerness to contribute to the squad's success once again.

Gerry Docherty commended Jonah's dedication and character throughout the recovery process, noting that his , positive attitude has been a driving force in his smooth rehabilitation journey.

"He's worked ever so hard," Docherty emphasized. "You need exceptional mental strength to overcome injuries like this. Jonah has made my job easier, and he's always approached it with a smile on his face. He's taken everything in stride, quite literally!"

"Of all the cruciate injuries I've dealt with in my experience, Jonah's recovery has been remarkably smooth. His strength work will continue for the next six months, and after a successful follow-up with the surgeon, we're entering the final stages of his rehabilitation. We hope for a successful return to the pitch," he concluded.