Kaizer Chiefs could be without Luke Baartman when they return to Betway Premiership action after the international break, with the young forward facing a spell on the sidelines because of a thigh injury.
The 20-year-old was forced off before half-time during South Africa Under-23s’ 1-1 friendly draw against Algeria on Sunday. Baartman will now be assessed by the Chiefs medical team, with the extent of the injury yet to be established.
His absence would be a setback for a Chiefs side that has increasingly relied on his pace and direct running in attack. The forward has provided energy in transition and given the team another option in the final third.
The injury leaves the technical staff considering their alternatives as they prepare for a return to domestic competition, with the depth of the squad likely to be tested.
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Chiefs can nevertheless approach the next phase of the campaign with confidence after making an unbeaten start. They have collected three victories and four draws from their opening seven league matches and currently sit fourth in the Betway Premiership.
Fernando da Cruz’s side are scheduled to face Stellenbosch at FNB Stadium on 13 October, with Chiefs looking to maintain their unbeaten run and remain within reach of the early pace-setters.
The immediate priority, however, will be determining whether Baartman can recover in time. Chiefs will hope the injury proves less serious than initially feared as they prepare for a demanding run of fixtures.