INJURIES continue to stalk CAPS UNITED as midfielder Archford Gutu has been dropped from the squad which will travel to Bulawayo for a Castle Lager Premiership match against reigning champions Chicken Inn at Luveve tomorrow.

Makepekepe are set to leave for Bulawayo this morning without the former Young Warriors midfielder, who pulled a muscle during the 2-2 draw with ZPC Kariba at Rufaro on Saturday.

Gutu played only 45 minutes of the game and was replaced by Phineas Bamusi at the restart.

Versatile defender Hardlife Zvirekwi also twisted his ankle in the same match after a rough tackle and has been asked by the medical team to take a rest.

The duo joined Tafadzwa Rusike in the casualty ward.

Rusike has been out for weeks now with an ankle problem and so is long-term concern, Tony Fugo from Equatorial Guinea, who has not kicked a ball this season after picking an injury early this year. CAPS United team manager Shakespeare Chinogwenya yesterday confirmed Gutu and Zvirekwi will not be travelling to Bulawayo.

He also explained that Zvirekwi’s injury was not as bad as initially feared after he was stretchered off the pitch with five minutes of regulation time remaining.

The national team fullback is set to be replaced by Valentine Musarurwa but the technical staff remain hopeful that he will be available for their next game.

“We have had a few injuries from the last game against ZPC Kariba. Gutu had a muscle injury so he is excused for the next game. So is Zvirekwi, but his injury is not as bad as we thought.

“The doctors advised him that he should rest and today (yesterday) he didn’t train. The good thing is he can do all the movements and only complains of pain when he comes into contact.

“So he is not available for the match this week but might play the next league game. And, Tafadzwa still needs a little bit of time before he can come back. We don’t need to rush him,” said Chinogwenya.

CAPS United have had a good start this year but they faltered in the last two games in which they dropped five points. They need to bounce back to winning ways as quickly as possible to keep pace with the frontrunners FC Platinum, who are now five points clear at the top.

Makepekepe only trained yesterday ahead of the trip to Bulawayo but remained positive ahead of the trip.

“It’s a hectic programme. We played on Saturday and our boys returned today (yesterday). We are on the road tomorrow (today), which means we only had one day to train. But I guess we are not the only ones in this situation,” said Chinogwenya.

Injured defender Zvirekwi believes the side have a good chance against the defending champions despite the injuries.

“I think we have enough depth in our team. Of course we don’t expect it to be easy against Chicken Inn. They are a formidable side and they did well in their last game which they won 3-1 away at Mutare City. We respect them for that but as CAPS United we are going there to fight for points,” said Zvirekwi.

The Warriors defender also said he should be available for the national team when they begin preparations for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Malawi next week.

“I am feeling the pain here and there but I am getting better. I couldn’t walk on Saturday but now I can. The doctor told me that I should rest and by the end of the week I should be fine.”

CAPS United have 14 points in the bag and are in third place on the log standings. Second half goals from Bamusi and veteran Leonard Tsipa helped them salvage a point after they had trailed ZPC Kariba for longer periods on Saturday.

They have now fallen five points adrift of leaders FC Platinum, who are enjoying a good run and are still unbeaten in seven starts this season.

Norman Mapeza’s men thrashed hapless Border Strikers 3-0 courtesy of Obrey Chirwa’s first half double and another goal from Elvis Moyo.

Giants Highlanders failed to close the gap when they suffered a setback at home in the 1-1 draw against Harare City.

Bosso, who are tied on 14 points with CAPS United only remained in second place because of a superior goal difference.

They come face-to-face with bitter rivals Dynamos in their next match this Saturday at the National Sports Stadium.

Fixtures

Tomorrow: Bulawayo City v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Barbourfields), ZPC Kariba v Hwange (Nyamhunga), Border Strikers v Tsholotsho (Maglas), Chicken Inn v CAPS United (Luveve), Triangle United v Mutare City Rovers (Gibbo)

Thursday: How Mine v FC Platinum (Luveve)

Friday: Harare City v Chapungu (Rufaro)

Saturday: Dynamos v Highlanders (National Sports Stadium)