Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed that midfielder Mduduzi Shabalala is set to go for surgery after he was taken off with a broken arm during the draw against Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday night.
Amakhosi played to a 1-1 draw against the Betway Premiership defending champions, which saw them take their points tally to 48 after 27 games in third place. They are just four points away from securing a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup.
The 22-year-old Shabalala provided an assist to Flavio Silva to open the scoring for Chiefs 25 minutes into the match against Sundowns in Pretoria. However, Shabalala was taken out on the stroke of half-time due to an injury.
Sundowns clawed their way back into the contest in the 54th minute, with Colombian marksman Brayan León clinical in finding the equaliser. However, the football was largely eclipsed by an aggressive, high-friction encounter that teetered on the edge of chaos.
Match officials struggled to contain the mounting hostility at Loftus, where the physical cost was steep: two players Keanu Cupido and Shabalala were rushed to the hospital after bone-jarring challenges, and the Brazilians were left to survive the final whistle with ten men following Jayden Adams’ dismissal.
In a statement issued by the club on Thursday, it appears as Shabalala will no longer play a part for the club this season.
SEASON OVER FOR CHIEFS STAR MDUDUZI SHABALALA
“Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Mduduzi Shabalala is set for surgery after suffering a broken arm in Wednesday night’s Betway Premiership clash against Mamelodi Sundowns in Pretoria,” the club said.
“Shabalala was stretchered off following a tackle late in the first half and rushed to hospital, where scans revealed a fracture to his right humerus, a bone between the shoulder and elbow.
“He remains under medical care ahead of surgery. The expected recovery period is five to six weeks, ruling him out for the remainder of the season with just three matches left to play.
“The club has extended its well wishes, hoping for a smooth operation and a full, speedy recovery for the young midfielder.”
KAIZER CHIEFS ALSO ISSUES AN INJURY UPDATE ON WANDILE DUBA
“Meanwhile, striker Wandile Duba was absent from the fixture as he continues to battle a groin injury,” Chiefs added.
“The medical team is working diligently to aid his recovery, with hopes of seeing him back on the pitch soon.”
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