Kaizer Chiefs have suffered a major blow with utility-defender Reece Frosler suffering a torn hamstring.
The experienced defender started the season in impressive form playing at left-back, despite his natural position on the right.
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In pre-season, he was also fielded in a middle role, which pleased head coach Fernando da Cruz as a versatile player for his system.
However, the South Africa international now faces brief period on the sidelines with a torn hamstring. There is some silver lining, though, as it is believed only to be a Grade 2 tear blow, and Frosler could become available again after the MTN8 semi-finals.
Frosler’s injury has worsened Chiefs’ left-back crisis, with Nkanyiso Shinga, Paseka Mako and Bradley Cross already being sidelined.
In addition, Frosler’s replacement Kabelo Nkgwesa also picked up an injury, which left coach Da Cruz no chance but to reshuffle his defensive setup against Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Frenchman switched to a five-man defensive line, with Pule Mmodi playing as emergency left wing-back.
“All the left-backs are injured,” he stated after the 1-1 draw.
“We were unlucky in the last few days in the left full-back position. Between the Sekhukhune United game and today [Saturday], we lost two more players to injury, who are Reeve [Frosler] and Kabelo [Nkgwesa].”
It remains to be seen how Da Cruz will adjust, and whether the five-man defensive line was just a once off against Sundowns or whether he will continue the tactical setup to cover for the left-back issues.