Kaizer Chiefs have received mixed injury news ahead of their upcoming Betway Premiership clash against Siwelele FC, with two players ruled out while four defenders have returned to training.
Head coach Fernando Da Cruz confirmed that Langelihle Phili and Thabiso Monyane will miss the upcoming fixture after suffering injuries.
However, Chiefs have been handed a welcome boost with Paseka Mako, Bradley Cross, Kabelo Nkgwesa and Reeve Frosler back in training.
PHILI AND MONYANE SIDELINED
Phili is facing the longer spell on the sidelines after suffering an ankle injury during training.
The youngster is expected to be unavailable for around eight weeks, dealing a blow to Chiefs after his arrival as the club looked to strengthen its squad.
Monyane has also joined the injury list. The right-back is expected to be sidelined for approximately four weeks following his own training-ground setback.
Da Cruz confirmed the timelines ahead of the FIFA window.
“Monyane will not be available before the FIFA window because he’s injured for four weeks; Phili is the same thing; he’s injured for eight weeks.”
The double setback leaves Chiefs with fewer options as they prepare for Siwelele.
FOUR DEFENDERS RETURN TO TRAINING
There is, however, encouraging news for the Glamour Boys.
Mako, Cross, Nkgwesa and Frosler have all returned to training, giving Da Cruz more defensive options ahead of the Betway Premiership encounter.
Their return is particularly timely considering the injuries to Phili and Monyane.
But Chiefs supporters may have to wait before seeing all four players back in the starting XI.
Da Cruz stressed that the returning players are not yet at full physical fitness, meaning their involvement will have to be carefully managed.
“But we have players who came back: Mako, Cross, Kabelo and Reeve Frosler. They are not 100% physically.”
DA CRUZ FACES SELECTION DILEMMA
The latest injury update leaves Chiefs with a mixture of problems and positives.
While Phili and Monyane face extended periods on the sidelines, the return of four defenders gives Da Cruz greater depth.
The challenge now is deciding how much responsibility to place on players who are still working their way back to full fitness.
With Siwelele FC waiting, the Chiefs coach will have to strike the right balance between strengthening his defence and avoiding rushing players back too soon.
For the Glamour Boys, the message is clear: the reinforcements are coming, but patience may still be required.
