Kaizer Chiefs Confirm South African Star Injury Ahead of Stellenbosch FC Clash in Betway Premiership
- Kaizer Chiefs confirmed Luke Baartman returned from U23 duty with an injury and is being monitored by the club's medical team
- The news comes as coach Fernanda Da Cruz prepares for a home fixture against Stellenbosch FC at FNB Stadium next Tuesday
- Stellenbosch FC have won the last three direct meetings with Amakhosi, adding pressure to Kaizer Chiefs' already mixed recent form
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Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed that Luke Baartman sustained an injury while representing the South African U23 national team during the international break, leaving his availability uncertain ahead of Amakhosi's Premier Soccer League fixture against Stellenbosch FC.
The club's medical team is closely monitoring Baartman's condition, with updates on his fitness expected to be shared in the days leading up to the match, scheduled for next Tuesday at FNB Stadium.
"Chiefs have welcomed back three players who were away on duty with the South African U23 national team, adding depth and energy to the squad," the club stated on their official website. "The medical team is closely monitoring Luke Baartman after he picked up an injury, and updates on his progress, along with other sidelined players, will be shared ahead of the clash."
Chiefs Return From a Quiet International Break
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Amakhosi have not featured in competitive action for three weeks, and only a handful of players were called up during the international window. Head coach Fernanda Da Cruz had the bulk of his squad available for training throughout the period, giving the Frenchman a relatively uninterrupted block of preparation time.
No official update was provided by the club regarding Lebohang Maboe, who withdrew from the senior Bafana Bafana squad due to injury prior to the break.
Stellenbosch's Strong Record Against Chiefs
Despite remaining unbeaten in the league, Chiefs head into Tuesday's game under some pressure. The team collected four draws in their final five outings before the break, limiting their progress up the standings. They currently sit fourth on the log.
Their opponents, Stellenbosch FC — coached by former Chiefs head coach Gavin Hunt — occupy seventh place, having recorded two wins, three draws and two defeats from seven matches this season. The Cape Winelands club have, however, won each of the last three direct meetings between the two sides, a record that will weigh on Amakhosi's preparations.
The fitness update on Baartman is expected to be one of the key talking points as the club finalises its squad selection for the FNB Stadium fixture.
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Source: Briefly News
