Playoff boost: Genk’s Nigerian striker Tolu returns to running training after five-week absence

KRC Genk’s Tolu Arokodare is drawing close to a return from his injury layoff, as he resumed running training this week.

The striker suffered a meniscus injury in the team’s match against KV Oostende in February and has been out of action since then.

However, Arokodare has begun building up his fitness once again and hopes to be able to rejoin group training in around two weeks, Soccernet.ng understands.

He is expected to be available again for selection at the start of the playoffs in May.

Arokodare’s return will be a welcome boost for Genk, who signed the Nigerian striker on the final day of the winter transfer window as a replacement for Paul Onuachu.

Arokodare made an instant impact on his debut for the club, scoring in a 3-2 win over KAA Gent.

The 22-year-old forward had played in two other matches for Genk before his injury and will be looking to continue his positive start to life in Belgium once he is fit again.

Genk will also hope that Arokodare can help them secure a strong finish to the season as they look to hold on to their lead at the top of the Belgian First Division A ahead of the playoffs.

The Smurfs have won only one match since Arokodare’s absence – a 2-1 victory over OH Leuven this weekend – allowing Victor Boniface’s Royale Union Saint-Gilloise to climb to within three points into second place.