Mamelodi Sundowns blow as top forward adds to growing injury list

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has provided an update on the club’s growing injury list, which includes Brayan Leon, Nuno Santos, and now Arthur Sales, following a demanding run of fixtures.

The Brazilians were held to a goalless draw by Richards Bay in a Betway Premiership match at the uMhlathuze Sports Complex on Sunday. The stalemate was compounded by fresh injury concerns for the league leaders.

Cardoso confirmed that star striker Brayan Leon was absent from the matchday squad due to an existing injury. He also noted that Nuno Santos has not yet returned to full fitness.

The situation worsened during the game when Sales was forced off with a knock just 23 minutes into the contest, with Monnapule Saleng coming on as his replacement.

Cardoso blames injuries on fixture pileup

The coach expressed his frustration, linking the spate of injuries directly to the team’s congested schedule.

“Look, this is exactly what I spoke about several months ago regarding the schedule we were put on,” Cardoso stated as per iDiski Times.

“A team that has to play in the Champions League until the end, in a country with back-to-back competitions, it’s obvious we would arrive at a crucial moment of the season with some losses. So, Brayan got injured.”

Cardoso stressed that while the situation is far from ideal, it presents an opportunity for other players to make their mark.

Who else is injured at Mamelodi Sundowns?

“Nuno is still not recovered, and now we’ve lost Arthur. But it’s time for the other ones to show up rather than for us to complain. It is what it is. Obviously, it’s not good,” he added.

The Sundowns coach also voiced concerns about the potential impact on the national team, predicting more injuries across the league as the season concludes.

“Let’s hope Bafana Bafana will not lose players and have big losses for the World Cup, because that’s what I expect in the next weeks—more injuries to happen,” he warned.

“It’s normal when teams have to play seven matches in 21 days. What can we expect before the end of the season? Just injuries, injuries. Nothing more.”