Mamelodi Sundowns have confirmed that they will be without the services of four key players for their Absa Premiership clash with Cape Town City on Tuesday.
Ricardo Nascimento, Anthony Laffor, Mauricio Affonso and Phakamani Mahlambi are unavailable for their third league game of the season as they continue to rehabilitate to full fitness following their injury setbacks.
Nascimento, who is yet to feature for Sundowns this season, is currently recovering from a groin injury, while Laffor continues rehabilitation for his knee injury.
Meanwhile, Affonso’s debut has been put on hold after the Uruguayan sustained an ankle strain during pre-season training. He is joined in the recovery ward by Mahlambi, who also will be hoping for a fast recovery from his ankle strain.
The Brazilians released the following statement:
‘The Mamelodi Sundowns medical team has confirmed the unavailability of four players as we host Cape Town City tonight.
‘Ricardo Nascimento is still recovering from a groin injury and is yet to make an appearance for Downs so far this season, while Anthony Laffor is also still recovering from a knee injury.
‘There is another pair that are still working their way back to full fitness and will unfortunately not be part of the Absa Premiership clash with coach Benni McCarthy’s outfit at Lucas Moripe Stadium.
‘Mauricio Affonso still awaits his debut in Sundowns colours. The Uruguayan picked up an ankle injury during pre-season and is still in the recovery ward.
‘Phakamani Mahlambi joined him there recently as he, too, looks to bounce back from an ankle strain. Apart from those players mentioned, coach Pitso Mosimane can select from the available group of players as he looks to pick up maximum points against the Citizens.’
The last time the two sides met in Tshwane six months ago, the Brazilians were 3-2 winners thanks to goals from Lebo Maboe, as well as the injured pair of Laffor and Mahlambi.
Downs will look to maintain a winning streak at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, having come from behind to beat Bloemfontein Celtic 3-1 to progress to the semi-finals of the MTN8 over the weekend. A victory tonight will take Sundowns to the top of the Absa Premiership table and keep their unbeaten run in the league so far intact.
