Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi with his players. Pic by Zamani Makautsi/Zakes Photography

Kaizer Chiefs have been plagued by injuries this season, with several players sidelined at various points. The injury woes began early, as Edmilson Dove suffered a significant injury during preseason in Turkey.

This was followed by a serious setback for Edson Castillo, who fractured his fibula after a tackle against SuperSport United in October. Castillo is expected to be out of action until March 2025.

Gaston Sirino also suffered injury troubles, being ruled out with a fractured rib after a promising start to the season. Dillan Solomons, Bradley Cross, Brandon Petersen, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Fiacre Ntwari, and Tebogo Potsane have all experienced setbacks, further compounding the injury crisis.

During Amakhosi’s 2-1 victory over Stellenbosch FC at FNB Stadium, they were forced to make multiple substitutions. Ashley Du Preez was the first to be replaced in the 29th minute, followed by Yusuf Maart, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, and Wandile Duba, who proved to be the match-winner with a brace.

The Soweto giants showcased their resilience in that match, coming from behind to defeat Stellenbosch after conceding an early goal. Duba’s impressive performance earned him the Man of the Match award.

However, coach Nasreddine Nabi has fresh injury concerns ahead of Sunday’s home encounter against the Lamontville Golden Arrows at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Ashley Du Preez in action against Stellenbosch FC.Pic by Kaizer Chiefs

WHO IS CHIEFS’ MAJOR INJURY CONCERN AHEAD OF THE GOLDEN ARROWS TIE

This match will be Chiefs’ 13th in the Betway Premiership. With 18 points from 12 games, they currently occupy fifth place on the log. Their opponents, Arrows, are in ninth place with 15 points from 11 games. A victory is crucial for Chiefs to improve their league standing and maintain the faith of their demanding fanbase in the Nabi project.

“Coach Nasreddine Nabi will be assessing his squad ahead of the match, especially in the forward department after Ashley Du Preez suffered an injury that led to his substitution in the first half on Wednesday,” wrote the Chiefs website.

The biggest concern is how Du Preez sustained an injury. The former Stellenbosch FC forward fell awkwardly, apparently fracturing his elbow.

Depending on the seriousness, the elbow fracture could sideline him for up to a month. Du Preez has recently been the preferred striker ahead of Ranga Chivaviro.

The 27-year-old has scored three goals in 13 appearances across all competitions. In his absence, Chivaviro could be recalled to the starting lineup. Alternatively, the coach could deploy Duba as the central striker instead of his usual winger position.

The youth academy graduate is Chiefs’ joint-leading scorer in the league alongside Mduduzi Shabalala, both having netted four goals.