Kaizer Chiefs assess Luke Baartman injury before Stellenbosch return

Kaizer Chiefs are monitoring Luke Baartman’s fitness after the attacker suffered an injury while on duty with the South Africa Under-23 squad.

Baartman was one of three Chiefs players selected for the national team’s back-to-back friendly matches against Algeria, alongside Mfundo Vilakazi and Faiz Abrahams.

Vilakazi and Abrahams have returned to Naturena without any reported problems, but Baartman is now an injury concern as the club prepares to resume its Betway Premiership campaign.

“Chiefs have welcomed back three players who were away on duty with the South African U23 national team, adding depth and energy to the squad,” the club said.

“The medical team is closely monitoring Luke Baartman after he picked up an injury, and updates on his progress, along with other sidelined players, will be shared ahead of the clash.”

The timing is an unwelcome setback for Fernanda Da Cruz’s side, who have been out of league action for three weeks since their previous match.

Kaizer Chiefs are fourth in the table with 13 points from seven matches and will face Stellenbosch FC at FNB Stadium on Tuesday.

The match is scheduled to begin at 19:30, with Chiefs aiming to maintain their challenge near the top of the Betway Premiership standings.

Baartman’s availability will be assessed before the fixture, while the club’s medical team also continues to monitor its other sidelined players.