Kaizer Chiefs forward Langelihle Phili ruled out for eight weeks with ankle injury

Kaizer Chiefs will be without attacker Langelihle Phili for around eight weeks after the new signing suffered an ankle injury, although defender Reeve Frosler is expected to return to the squad.

Phili missed Chiefs’ 2-2 draw with Richards Bay at the Princess Magogo Stadium in Durban on Wednesday night after sustaining the injury. The absence is a setback for coach Fernando Da Cruz, who had quickly made the forward an important part of his new-look side.

The attacker joined the Amakhosi at the start of the season and had already made an impression, scoring in Chiefs’ recent draw with Mamelodi Sundowns. His injury now leaves Da Cruz needing to consider alternative options in attack during the next two months.

“Chiefs have suffered a setback with new attacker Langelihle Phili, who scored in the recent draw against Mamelodi Sundowns, sidelined by an ankle injury,” the club stated.

“He is expected to return in eight weeks’ time.”

Phili’s absence comes as Chiefs continue to manage a number of injuries within their squad. The Soweto club did, however, provide more encouraging news regarding Frosler, a versatile defender who has been used to cover at left-back.

Frosler started Chiefs’ first three matches of the campaign and helped provide defensive cover while all of the club’s recognised left-backs were unavailable because of injury. He was then ruled out before the side’s 1-1 draw with Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium two weeks ago.

The club confirmed that the 27-year-old has now recovered and is available to return.

“On the positive side, Reeve Frosler has recovered after missing the Sundowns clash,” Chiefs added.

Chiefs were forced to settle for another draw against Richards Bay after the two sides shared four goals in Durban. The result followed their 1-1 draw with Sundowns, with the club’s latest injury update offering mixed news ahead of their next fixture.

The Glamour Boys will return to action against Siwelele on 5 September, with the match taking place at home. Chiefs will hope Frosler’s recovery can strengthen their defensive options, while Phili’s lengthy absence will leave Da Cruz without one of the attacking players who had become a trusted part of his team early in the season.