The Kaizer Chiefs head coach has rehashed Langelihle Phili‘s setback, while right-back Thabiso Monyane has also been ruled out.
However, Da Cruz has received a boost with several defenders returning to training.
FERNANDO DA CRUZ REVEALS THABISO MONYANE HAS JOINED LANGELIHLE PHILI
Da Cruz confirmed that Langelihle Phili is the latest major injury concern at Kaizer Chiefs, with the winger facing around eight weeks on the sidelines after suffering a serious ankle injury in training.
The setback comes after Phili had been brought in to strengthen the Chiefs squad, meaning the Glamour Boys will now have to manage without the youngster for a significant period.
Thabiso Monyane is another absentee, with the right-back expected to miss at least four weeks following a training-ground injury.
“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,” Da Cruz said at the Chiefs training grounds.
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KAIZER CHIEFS WELCOME DEFENSIVE BOOST
There is some positive news for Kaizer Chiefs. Paseka Mako, Bradley Cross, Kabelo Nkgwesa and Reeve Frosler are all returning to training.
Their returns are particularly important given the defensive shortage facing Da Cruz. However, the coach has warned that none of the returning players are yet ready to immediately handle a full match.
“But we have players who came back: Mako, Cross, Kabelo and Reeve Frosler. They are not 100% physically,” Da Cruz explained.
That leaves Chiefs with a delicate balancing act ahead of their meeting with Siwelele FC.
Da Cruz now has more defensive options available to him, but their lack of match sharpness means the French coach will have to carefully assess his selections before the Betway Premiership encounter.
