Four players out, Khalil Ben Youssef gives Chiefs injury update

Kaizer Chiefs first assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef has confirmed that the club will be without the services of four players when they face Sekhukhune United in a Betway Premiership tie.

The Soweto giants were hard at work at the Kaizer Chiefs Village in Naturena on Thursday as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Golden Arrows last Sunday in Durban.

However, they will take on the high-flying Sekhukhune in the absence of Ashley Du Preez, Edson Castillo, and possibly Rushwin Dortley.

Adding to their woes, Amakahosi head coach Nasreddine Nabi is suspended for two matches following his red card against Arrows.

Du Preez’s return remains uncertain, with Ben Youssef stating they are awaiting a medical report. The attacker was spotted at Naturena wearing an arm sleeve. Castillo is expected to be sidelined until March, while Sirino, recovering from a fractured rib, should be fit for the Soweto Derby in February.

Dortley’s availability is also doubtful as the coaching staff aims to carefully manage his fitness following his return from national duty with Bafana Bafana.

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The string of injuries and suspension to Nabi presents a significant challenge for The Glamour Boys as they strive to climb the Betway Premiership table. They currently occupy sixth place on the log standings with 18 points from 13 matches. Under coach Nabi, Amakhosi have secured five victories while suffering five defeats and drawing three times.

Chiefs face a formidable task in their upcoming match against Babina Noko, a team in strong form. Sekhukhune have enjoyed an impressive recent run, winning four of their last five league matches and remaining unbeaten during this period.

“Ashley this week won’t be with us, and I can’t say when he will be fit as we are still waiting for the report from the medical team about his state,” said Khalil Ben Youssef.

“We have a player that has a fracture, Castillo. Sirino is also out. Dortley, you know, when he came back from the national team, Bafana Bafana, he returned with an injury. So we are trying to manage and protest him. For this game [Sekhukhune], we don’t know yet if he will be with us or not. We are still waiting for the medical report.

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