Kaizer Chiefs defender Edmilson Dove has returned from the club’s pre-season training in Turkey after suffering an undisclosed injury.
The pair were pictured at the airport in wheelchairs and sporting moon boots, which suggests the injuries may be serious.
Dove, who signed a one-year contract extension at the end of last month and Sam who joined from Orlando Pirates on a free transfer just recently, joins Tebogo Potsane, Dillan Solomons, Mduduzi Mdantsane and George Matlou on the sidelines.
Mdantsane is out for three months (broken jaw), Potsane is set to return in two weeks post-groin surgery, Solomons is sidelined for nine weeks at least (shoulder surgery) and Matlou is expected back only in October (knee surgery)
With the release of S’fiso Hlanti and Njabulo Ngcobo and the tragic death of Luke Fleurs towards the end of last season and now Dove and Sam’s setbacks, it leaves Chiefs’ extremely thin in the defensive department.
Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, Given Msimango and Zitha Kwinika are the central defensive options available. At left back, there is only Happy Mashiane and only Reeve Frosler at right-back.