MAMELODI Sundowns dressing room resemble a casualty ward as the team trudge along towards their Premiership fixture against Chippa United at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Wednesday.
Coach Pitso Mosimane may have an abundance of riches at his disposal, but he could also do with seven of his players, who are nursing an assortment of injuries.
Among the key players in sickbay is defensive kingpin Wayne Arendse, who is doubtful for the clash, recovering from flu.
Defender Rivaldo Coetzee is recovering from a recurring foot injury, forward Emeliano Tade nurses a knee injury while goalie Kennedy Mweene is concussed.
New-recruit Mauricio Affonso is unlikely to make his official debut for the Brazilians as the Uruguayan struggles with an ankle injury he picked up in a pre-season friendly in Botswana, while centre-back Ricardo Nascimento (hip) and Anthony Laffor (knee) are long term casualties.
”We have a crippled squad due to a number of injured players, ” said Sundowns spokesperson Alex Shakoane.
"Some players have had little time to recover from the taxing Caf Champions League match in Congo-Brazzaville.
But I believe we will be competitive against Chippa.
”We are relying on our supporters, who always rally behind the team here in PE.”It is not every day that Sundowns play here, and so the fans will have the luxury of watching their team in action right at their doorstep.
”Chippa will have the numbers but we always outnumber them whenever we play here.”
