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Warriors suffer major blow
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The Zimbabwe Warriors' Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) preparations have been dealt a heavy setback following an injury to influential midfielder and vice-captain Marshall Munetsi, just days before the team departs for Morocco.
Munetsi, widely expected to anchor the midfield at the 2025 finals, hobbled off the field only minutes after coming on as an 85th-minute substitute for Wolverhampton Wanderers in their midweek clash against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday. Wolves were forced to finish the match with 10 men following his withdrawal.
The injury has since cast major doubt over his readiness for Afcon, which kicks off in under two weeks.
Although the full assessment is yet to be confirmed, early signs have raised alarm. Addressing media on Friday, Wolves head coach Rob Edwards said:
"Munetsi has had a scan today; we think he has pulled his calf. We do not have the details yet."
A calf strain can require a minimum recovery period of two weeks, depending on severity - a timeline that puts Munetsi's Afcon involvement in jeopardy.
The midfielder has already been ruled out of Wolves' Premier League tie against Manchester United tonight.
Munetsi was earmarked to join the Warriors' training camp this week, where a squad largely composed of locally based players is finalising preparations. His experience and leadership, alongside his partnership with England-based midfielder Andy Rinomhota, were central to Zimbabwe's qualifying campaign.
For head coach Marian Marinica, who is tasked with leading Zimbabwe beyond the group stages, the potential loss of a senior figure is a major tactical disruption. The Warriors are in a tough Group B, which includes Egypt, South Africa and Angola.
Meanwhile, other foreign-based stars - including captain Marvelous Nakamba, Macauley Bonne, and Alec Mudimu - have already reported for duty. However, Munetsi's injury threatens to unsettle squad balance and momentum at a critical moment.
Zimbabwe will be hoping for positive medical feedback in the coming days - and that their vice-captain can recover in time to reinforce the national cause on the continental stage.
Munetsi, widely expected to anchor the midfield at the 2025 finals, hobbled off the field only minutes after coming on as an 85th-minute substitute for Wolverhampton Wanderers in their midweek clash against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday. Wolves were forced to finish the match with 10 men following his withdrawal.
The injury has since cast major doubt over his readiness for Afcon, which kicks off in under two weeks.
Although the full assessment is yet to be confirmed, early signs have raised alarm. Addressing media on Friday, Wolves head coach Rob Edwards said:
"Munetsi has had a scan today; we think he has pulled his calf. We do not have the details yet."
The midfielder has already been ruled out of Wolves' Premier League tie against Manchester United tonight.
Munetsi was earmarked to join the Warriors' training camp this week, where a squad largely composed of locally based players is finalising preparations. His experience and leadership, alongside his partnership with England-based midfielder Andy Rinomhota, were central to Zimbabwe's qualifying campaign.
For head coach Marian Marinica, who is tasked with leading Zimbabwe beyond the group stages, the potential loss of a senior figure is a major tactical disruption. The Warriors are in a tough Group B, which includes Egypt, South Africa and Angola.
Meanwhile, other foreign-based stars - including captain Marvelous Nakamba, Macauley Bonne, and Alec Mudimu - have already reported for duty. However, Munetsi's injury threatens to unsettle squad balance and momentum at a critical moment.
Zimbabwe will be hoping for positive medical feedback in the coming days - and that their vice-captain can recover in time to reinforce the national cause on the continental stage.
Source - NewsDay
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