Kenyan winger Silko Thomas Otieno has returned to Leicester City after sustaining a knee injury while playing for Wigan Athletic. The 20-year-old, who was on loan at Wigan, suffered the injury during a 1-1 draw with Lincoln City. The incident occurred in the first half of the match, and Otieno was stretchered off the field, signaling a serious injury. Leicester City will now oversee his rehabilitation process after it was confirmed that Otieno could be sidelined for up to five months.
Before his injury, Otieno had been enjoying a successful season with Wigan Athletic. During the 2024/25 campaign, he had become a regular starter for the club, making 31 appearances in all competitions. He contributed two assists in League One and had emerged as an important player for Wigan before the unfortunate setback. Otieno’s performances did not go unnoticed, and his rapid development was evident as he impressed with his pace, work rate, and creativity on the wing.
Born in England to a Kenyan father and an English mother, Otieno’s football journey began at Carshalton Athletic in 2018, where he caught the attention of scouts. His potential was quickly recognized, leading him to join Chelsea’s youth setup in 2020. After spending three years in the academy, Otieno was released by the Premier League club in 2023, alongside 12 other players. Despite the disappointment of his release, Otieno did not let it deter him. He signed for Leicester City in 2024, and although he joined the club on a loan spell at Wigan Athletic almost immediately, his performances have made a strong impression.
At Leicester, Otieno had already made an impact before his injury. He was named the club’s Men’s Development Squad Player of the Season in May 2024, a testament to his excellent performances in the youth ranks. During the season, he scored five goals in 16 appearances, with a standout moment being a brace against Leeds United in March. His versatility as a winger, capable of playing on both the right and left flanks, made him a valuable asset for both Leicester’s development squad and Wigan during his loan spell. The coaching staff at Leicester City had taken notice of his progress, and they were excited about his potential.
As Otieno focuses on his recovery, Leicester City will ensure he receives the necessary treatment to regain full fitness. The club is optimistic that the young winger will return to action in the coming months. While his knee injury has temporarily derailed his development, there is hope that once he recovers, Otieno will continue his ascent in professional football.
Wigan Athletic has expressed their appreciation for Otieno’s efforts during his time at the club and wished him a speedy recovery. The club acknowledged the contribution he had made, and the injury is a significant loss for them given his importance in their attack.
Despite this setback, Otieno remains a promising talent with a bright future ahead. His time at Chelsea and Leicester City has given him the foundation to build on, and his performances at Wigan showed that he is more than capable of competing at a high level. Once he returns from injury, it will be interesting to see how he progresses further in his career, with Leicester City likely to be a key part of his development moving forward.
Leicester City and Otieno’s supporters will be hoping for a swift recovery, as the club’s development squad looks to continue their strong performances in the upcoming seasons.
