Kaizer Chiefs confirm Samir Nurkovic will undergo surgery

Star striker Samir Nurkovic is set to undergo surgery, Kaizer Chiefs confirmed on Sunday morning. 

Chiefs confirmed these news on Nurkovic on their official social media platforms on the morning of their fixture against Marumo Gallants.

Nurkovic will subsequently miss the Marumo Gallants game

Those news all but confirm that Nurkovic will not be part of the Chiefs squad that is set to do battle in the away fixture against Gallants this evening. The Serbian is set to undergo surgery to repair the meniscus on his right knee, in a procedure that the club has confirmed is set to take place on Wednesday next week. 

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Speaking to the Chiefs website Nurkovic opened up about the surgery, claiming that it was rather long overdue. “I have had this injury niggling me for a while now – the medical team felt it was best to get the operation done. Further assessments will be done after the operation. The medical team will give me a timeline on the recovery process after that.” Said the striker. 

He has not been in great form of late

Nurkovic has somewhat struggled in front of goal this season, having failed to find the back of the net thus far. He has also come under attack and scrutiny from pundits and Chiefs fans alike, for the wide-target man role that he has been deployed in by new coach Stuart Baxter. The Serb is not unfamiliar with that role, however, as he played it to great effect alongside the injured Leornardo Castro under former coach Ernst Middendorp. 

More injury concerns for Chiefs

Speaking of injuries, besides Nurkovic, Chiefs have also confirmed that the likes of new signings midfielder Phathutshedzo Nange and winger Kgaogelo Sekgota will also be joining the likes of long-term absentees such as Castro, Siyabonga Ngezana and Dumisani Zuma. 

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Chiefs have confirmed that Nange suffered an injury to the adductor muscle in his inner thigh in the previous game, an embarrassing 1-4 loss again new boys Royal AM. Sekgota who came on as a substitute in the game was also forced off with an injury. The club website confirmed that he has since received stitches on his ankle and the club is still awaiting scans to determine the length  of time both players will be out for