Rulani Mokwena has provided an update on the injury to attacker Lucas Ribeiro Costa, who featured for just 30 minutes during Mamelodi Sundowns’ 0-0 stalemate against Lamontville Golden Arrows.
The DStv Premiership champions were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Arrows at Mpumalanga Stadium on Wednesday night.
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Despite going one man down when Mosa Lebusa was shown a red card early in the second half, Sundowns still dominated proceedings with 80% of overall possession and 19 shots at goal, seven of which found the target.
Lebusa was not the only casualty for the side as Ribeiro Costa was forced out after just 20 minutes of play.
Speaking to media after the match, Mokwena explained why he believes the injury is the result of an overload of matches.
"I’m not sure (on the severity of the injury). The thing is, let me put this into context... Even in our last game, people asked me about the volume of games and you know who pulled a hamstring in our last game? It was Zakhele Siwela (assistant referee).
"Now, count how many games Siwela has actually done, domestic, plus international, Champions League, international friendlies, AFCON qualifiers, World Cup.
"If an assistant referee gets injured because of [the] volume of games, what more of the players, guys?
"So, that’s what I’m saying, Ribeiro’s injury is just [a] consequence of the number of games we have to play. But I don’t think it’s that serious.
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Sundowns also had to do without Teboho Mokoena, Bongani Zungu, Rushine De Reuck and Thapelo Maseko, who are all nursing injuries.
The Brazilians return to action when they host Royal AM on Saturday at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
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