APR defensive midfielder Ismael ‘Pitchou’ Nshimirimana is back to training as he faces a race to be fit in time for trip to Umuganda Stadium ahead of Sunday’s Primus National League clash with Etincelles.

The Burundi international Pitchou hasn't featured for the army side for the past month through an ankle injury he sustained during club’s 2-2 draw against Marines in September.

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He was spotted training alone at the Shyorongi training base on Tuesday as doctors continue to assess his recovery before he joins the rest of the team for full training.

Pitchou has quickly established himself among APR's key players and his absence has been giving coach Thierry Froger a headache given his impact on the club’s performance.

The Frenchman tactician is now monitoring the youngster’s injury situation as he pushes to have him in his squad for Sunday’s clash with Etincelles.

The military side has been struggling in midfield in the former Kiyovu maestro’s absence and his return could be a major boost for the club as the league takes shape.

Pitchou is one of keys players who joined APR FC during the 2023 transfer window right after the military side made a U-turn on the ‘homegrown players only’ policy in December 2022.