Kaizer Chiefs striker Flavio Silva faces Guinea-Bissau fitness doubt

Flavio Silva’s limited involvement for Kaizer Chiefs has raised concerns over whether the striker will be fit enough to join Guinea-Bissau for their opening 2027 AFCON qualifiers.

Silva was included in coach Emiliano Te’s provisional squad several weeks ago, with Guinea-Bissau set to begin their Group L campaign away to Tanzania on September 25. They then host Nigeria four days later.

Te handed Silva his international debut in March and is keen for Guinea-Bissau to make a positive start as they pursue qualification for the tournament. The West Africans missed the most recent edition in Morocco after appearing at the previous four editions.

However, Silva has played only 45 minutes for AmaKhosi this season. His sole appearance came on August 1 against Kruger United, when he scored before being substituted at half-time because of injury.

Kaizer Chiefs have since played six more matches without their number 77 featuring, leaving uncertainty over his condition before the forthcoming FIFA dates.

The club have one match remaining before the international break, but there are growing doubts about whether Silva will be ready to travel and fulfil his call-up. Discussions have suggested that, even if he returns for Chiefs this weekend, he could be permitted to remain at Naturena rather than join Guinea-Bissau.

No final agreement has been reached.

Silva’s fitness is particularly relevant to Te because he remains among the coach’s attacking options for the start of the qualifying campaign. Guinea-Bissau will be hoping to build momentum after failing to reach the last tournament in Morocco.

The squad also includes Mama Balde of French club Stade Brest, Fiorentina’s recent arrival Beto and Iaia Manco Danfa of Borussia Monchengladbach. Te can also call on other attacking players based at clubs in Portugal, Spain, Denmark and Italy.

Silva was born in Guinea-Bissau and later moved to Portugal, where he now lives. He had continued to be monitored by the Federacao de Futebol da Guine-Bissau before completing his move to Kaizer Chiefs.

The uncertainty over his availability means Te may have to decide whether to retain Silva in the final group travelling for the qualifiers or rely on the other forwards in his provisional selection.