Kaizer Chiefs monitoring Luke Baartman injury ahead of Stellenbosch clash

Kaizer Chiefs are assessing Luke Baartman after the forward sustained an injury while on duty with the South African U23 national team.

The club say Baartman will be “closely monitored” before Amakhosi return to action against Stellenbosch FC at FNB Stadium next week Tuesday.

Chiefs have not played for three weeks and were able to keep most of their squad together during the international break. Fernanda Da Cruz has therefore had almost a full group available as preparations continue for the home fixture against Stellenbosch and former coach Gavin Hunt.

However, Baartman’s fitness is now a concern after he was injured while representing the U23 side.

“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 on its website.

“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 club did not provide an update on Lebohang Maboe, who withdrew from the Bafana Bafana squad because of injury.

Chiefs currently sit fourth in the league and remain unbeaten, although they drew four of their five matches before the international break.

Stellenbosch are seventh after recording two wins, three draws and two defeats from their opening seven games. The Cape Winelands-based side have won their past three meetings with Amakhosi.

The match will be Chiefs’ next league fixture after the three-week break, with the club waiting for further information on Baartman and the other players currently sidelined.