Banyana Banyana are sweating over the availability of captain Refiloe Jane ahead of the team's crucial group stage clash against Italy at the FIFA Women's World Cup.
Jane was substituted off in the first half against Argentina after falling awkwardly and sustaining a soft tissue injury, later confirmed by team doctor Nthabiseng Maesela.
?? Word from the Banyana Banyana Team Doctor ??????"Refiloe is doing well. After going for a scan it was confirmed that she sustained a soft tissue injury and she should be back on the field soon."#FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/6l5tlmNcOT
— Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) July 30, 2023
Following a 2-1 defeat to Sweden in the first match and a 2-2 draw against Argentina, Banyana head into their last group stage match against Italy on Wednesday in need of nothing less than a victory to secure a spot in the knockout stages.
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Asked about Jane's condition ahead of the crucial match, Ellis was tentative in her response.
"Refiloe, as we said, has a soft tissue injury and we will wait until the very, very last minute before we make a final decision," Ellis said.
???? PR??P??R????????N?? ????Banyana Banyana squad during the training session as they prepare for their last group stages match against Italy!#SABCSportFootball #Sisonke #GameChangeHer #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/TSZSyT3wyb
— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) August 1, 2023
Jane is one of the more experienced players in the squad, having captained Banyana to their Women's Africa Cup of Nations title-winning campaign in 2022.
The 30-year-old skipper is also no stranger to Banyana's upcoming opponents, having played in Italy since 2019. Jane spent three seasons at AC Milan before completing a move to join Sassuolo.
"Of course, her (Jane) knowledge is very valuable, she has played in Italy," Ellis added.
"One of her teammates is playing in the Italian league as well, so her information has been very useful and we used a lot of that, but also our own analysis to also profile the Italian team and hopefully our plan will come together tomorrow."
"We know nothing else but a win will get us that result (moving to the knockout stages) so we are busy preparing for that. We know it's a must-win game.
kick-off is at 09:00 (SA time).
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