Sundowns blow as key defender suffers season-ending injury

Mamelodi Sundowns have suffered a blow following the confirmation that defender Keanu Cupido is likely to miss the rest of the season.

Cupido has been a mainstay in the Sundowns defence this season but lasted just 16 minutes in their match against Kaizer Chiefs on Wednesday as he suffered the potential season-ending injury.

The 28-year-old lined up at the heart of Sundowns’ defence alongside Khulumani Ndamane in their match against Chiefs at Loftus Versfeld.

Cupido had started well against Amakhosi but he suffered the injury in unfortunate fashion. The defender went for the ball with his head but met the boot of Chiefs midfielder Siphesihle Ndlovu who left him worse.

How long will Sundowns defender be out?

That was in the 12^th minute and the defender would need treatment on the pitch for three minutes before he was stretchered off to be replaced by Grant Kekana.

A few minutes later, it was confirmed that Cupido had suffered a suspected collarbone fracture and will be out for between six and 12 weeks, which will end his season given Sundowns’ last match of the campaign will be the CAF Champions League final second leg away to AS FAR Rabat of Morocco on May 24.

It is a disappointing end for Cupido at a time when Sundowns are in great position to retain their PSL title and win the Champions League for the second time in their history.

Cupido was making his 30^th appearance of the season for Sundowns and starting a fourth league match in a row before the injury cut short his game.