Bafana Bafana have explained Zakhele Lepasa's absence from the squad ahead of Tuesday's clash against Côte d'Ivoire.
The Orlando Pirates striker will no part against the Elephants on Tuesday, as he did not travel with the squad to Abijan on Saturday.
It has now been revealed that Lepasa has been ruled out due to a knee injury, according to Bafana team doctor Thabo Maleka.
"Lepasa is struggling with a left knee overuse injury, which could have been exacerbated again by the recent games and also trainings," Maleka told SAFA media.
"And on the eve of travelling, the injury became worse and therefore necessitated that he does get some investigation to actually find the degree or severity of injury in order to inform treatment.
"He is already in the care of the medical team, they have already started necessary treatment that is needed for that particular injury that he's having and that is why he's not with us today."
Maleka also gave an update on the rest of the squad, including goalkeeper Ronwen Williams who missed the draw against Eswatini.
"So far we have a good bill of health. Even our captain is recovering very well, so that gives the coach depth in terms of who to play and how, which is a good thing in terms of fitness levels," he added.
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