Kaizer Chiefs have been dealt a double injury blow ahead of their final game of 2018 on Saturday.
Star forward Khama Billiat has picked up a hip problem that he sustained in the 3-0 victory over Elgeco Plus last Saturday.
The Amakhosi announced on their website on Wednesday that Billiat was experiencing some discomfort before being substituted in the 88th minute of the first round, first leg Caf Confederation Cup tie.
Billiat has a “hip adductor muscle strain”, with team physiotherapist David Milner saying that the Zimbabwean will be “rested for two weeks to recover”.
George Maluleka, who missed the first leg with a hamstring muscle strain, remains on the sidelines for another week, while there is still uncertainty around Philani Zulu’s fitness.
“Philani fractured a bone in his face, he had to have minor surgery, and we are awaiting the report to inform us the extent of the injury,” Milner said.
Striker Ryan Moon has recovered from a fracture under the eye socket, and is back in training and will be considered for Saturday’s second leg (1.30pm SA time).
Coach Ernst Middendorp, though, will have to wait longer for Mulomowandau Mathoho (ankle) and Ramahlwe Mphahlele (knee).
Mathoho is still in plaster for another three weeks before he will be able to begin his rehabilitation, while Mphahlele is busy with his fitness programme before returning to the pitch – probably for the 2019 opening game against Mamelodi Sundowns on January 5.
Next Kaizer Chiefs Match: CAF Confederation Cup: First Round, Second Leg - Elgeco Plus vs. Kaizer Chiefs, Saturday 22 December 2018, Stade Municipal de Mahamasina, Antananarivo, 13h30 (SAST) #CAFCC #HailTheChief #KCAfrica4Life #KCOneAfrica pic.twitter.com/OiG6xtJT6o
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) December 18, 2018
@ashfakmohamed