South Africa could be without star midfielder Elrio van Heerden in their Nelson Mandela Cup match against Senegal on Saturday.
Van Heerden twisted his ankle during the team’s training session at the Westbourne Oval on Wednesday evening.
A diagnosis on the extent of the injury will only be available later on Thursday evening after the South African team’s medical staff have received Van Heerden’s X-rays.
”We don’t think that the ankle is fractured and it is likely to be some soft tissue damage. The swelling reduced considerably overnight and we will see how he reacts to treatment,” South African coach Stuart Baxter said after the team’s morning training session on Thursday.
Baxter did indicate that if Van Heerden had to be ruled out of Saturday’s encounter, it would be a big blow to the team.
”It would be a blow if Elrio is not available, as he is one of the players who needs to get as much international experience into his legs as possible,” Baxter said. — Sapa