Why Njabulo Blom might be out of action again this weekend
Njabulo Blom missed St Louis City‘s game on Sunday and could be out of action again this weekend.
The former Kaizer Chiefs star missed the 2-1 victory for his new MLS side against Portland.
Before then, Blom had secured his place in the team’s starting line-up after he came on as a substitute in St Louis’ first game of the season.
For his debut, the Bafana Bafana international came on as a substitute in the 17th minute to replace an injured player.
His performance against Austin FC in his first game rewarded him with his first start on match-day two against Charlotte FC.
In that particular game, he created two chances and was defensively solid, according to a USA publication, FOX Sport.
His exclusion from the team in the 2-1 victory against Portland on match-day three came as a surprise locally. However, the reason for his absence has been revealed.
REASON BEHIND BLOM’S ABSENCE
According to FOX Sports, Blom missed St Louis’ game against Portland due to a “health and safety protocol” issue.
The US publication also reported that due to the health issue that the 22-year-old faces, he might be out of action again this weekend. St Louis face SJ Earthquakes on Sunday, 19 March 2023.
However, this is not final, as it will depend on the progression of his recovery from the undisclosed illness.
“Blom is out after entering the league’s health and safety protocols. This also puts his availability for the March 18 game against San Jose in jeopardy,” said FOX Sports.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR BAFANA BAFANA
The Soweto-born midfield grafter is part of the national team preliminary squad set to represent the country in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers against Liberia. They host the Lone Stars in Johannesburg on 24 March before travelling to Monrovia on 28 March.
His lack of recovery or fitness in time might affect his place in the Bafana final squad call-ups.
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