The former Chelsea star suffered an injury in a recent clash for Wigan Athletic which left his parent club Leicester City no choice but to recall him for rehabilitation.
Harambee Stars prospect Silko Amari Otieno Thomas has bid farewell to Wigan Athletic after his loan spell was cut short due to injury, marking his return to English Premier League (EPL) side Leicester City.
The 20-year-old winger, who had been at Wigan for the 2024/25 season, suffered a knee injury that necessitated his return to Leicester for treatment and rehabilitation.
Thomas sustained the injury during Wigan’s 1-1 draw with Lincoln City on Saturday, February 1, where he was stretchered off in the first half. Taking to Instagram, he expressed his gratitude to Wigan for their support during his time at the club.
He becomes the second Harambee Stars prospect to don Brighton colours after Jonah Ayunga, who came through the club’s academy.
“Thank you everyone at Wigan—the manager, backroom staff, players, and the fans. It has been an incredible experience being part of this club with such amazing people,” his message read in part.
The winger, born to a Kenyan father and an English mother of Jamaican heritage, is determined to return stronger after his rehabilitation, which is expected to sideline him for the remainder of the season.
“Unfortunately, my season has come to an end due to injury, but I’m fully committed to my recovery and can’t wait to be back stronger,” he added.
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Otieno, who was named the Leicester City Development Player of the season last year, has returned to the club after suffering a worrying knee injury playing for Wigan last weekend.
Thomas, a former Carshalton Athletic youth graduate, also revealed that he will now be supporting Wigan as a fan despite his playing days with the club coming to an early end.
“Wishing the team all the best for the rest of the season. I’ll be cheering you on from the sidelines! Thank you again for all the support,” he concluded.
Thomas, who holds English citizenship, was previously part of Chelsea FC’s youth team from 2020 to 2023 before his release.
He later joined Leicester City in 2024, with The Foxes immediately loaning him out to League One side Wigan, where he made 32 appearances before his injury setback.
The young winger remains one of several European-born players with Kenyan roots eligible to represent Harambee Stars should he choose to do so.
His experience at Wigan has provided him with valuable lessons in resilience, adaptability, and the challenges of professional football, which he hopes to build on as he continues his development at Leicester City.
