Mamelodi Sundowns have been dealt with a big blow ahead of the upcoming 2023/24 DStv Premiership season.
Sundowns are currently in the Netherlands for a pre-season tour where they’ll play friendlies with a few European clubs.
The Brazilians have been a dominant force in the PSL, which saw them clinch their sixth league title last season.
Despite being dominant in the domestic football, Mamelodi Sundowns have seemingly struggled to replicate the same form in continental football. They were knocked out of the CAF Champions League semi-finals by Wydad Casablanca.
With Sundowns gearing up for the new season, they suffered an injury setback of one of their key players.
The Tshwane-based giants will be without the services of defender Rushine De Reuck when the season kicks off.
RULANI MOKWENA PROVIDES UPDATE ON RUSHINE DE REUCK
“It was a very freaky incident at training, and it was a pity because he had played the first match of the first friendly matches and he had played very well,” Mokwena said.
“He returned back in very good shape, but he landed awkwardly and then felt a sharp pain around the knee.
“Upon observation, the doctors felt that instead of being very conservative, the time frame for the layout would be the same as a conservative approach. Yet you could probably get greater long-term benefits if you weren’t a little bit more on the surgical route.
Meanwhile, the Sundowns camp remains optimistic about the quick recovery of De Reuck, who was injured for the better part of last season.
“After a thorough consultation with a knee specialist and with Rushine. We felt that the right approach was to go surgical.
“The surgery went well, he is already home, and the players had him on the phone, and we all wished him a speedy recovery.
“Hopefully, he’ll be back in time to still continue and make a great contribution to this season.
“He has got qualities for sure that make us believe that he can be one of our best centre-backs.
“We wish him a speedy recovery, and he knows that our well wishes are with him and I’m sure because he’s a strong strong boy.
“Also, it’s not as bad as it was anticipated upon first observation. I’m sure the boy will be back sooner than later.”
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