By MICHAEL MIYOBA
THE Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) is concerned that dependable Chipolopolo striker Patson Daka may miss the crucial back-to-back AFCON qualifiers against Botswana next month after he picked an injury during Red Bull Salzburg’s 3-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid.
Daka sustained a thigh injury in Tuesday’s Champions League fixture against the Spanish club.
With just 27 minutes of action at Madrid’s Metropolitano Stadium, the 22-year-old went down on the pitch after winning a corner kick for his team and was replaced by Malian forward Sekou Koita when it was obvious he would be unable to continue in the five-goal thriller against Diego Simeone’s men.
However the news of his injury has not been received well by FAZ who fear that the lethal top man will not be available for the crucial games against Botswana.
FAZ general secretary Adrian Kashala said Daka is one of the dependable players needed for the AFCON qualifiers slated for November 12 and 16 respectively.
“Our prayer is that the player gets healed and get back on his toes because we need him.
“He is one of our dependable players and the news of his injury was not received well but I pray that he will be well to be part of the Botswana game,” Kashala said.
Meanwhile, Daka is hoping to return stronger following his latest injury setback on Tuesday night.
The Red Bull Salzburg striker offered a morale-boosting update on his fitness after sustaining a hamstring injury.
Although his Austrian Bundasliga side is yet to give an update about his knock and the duration he would stay on the sidelines, Daka took to social media to announce that his comeback will be stonger.
“The comeback will be stronger than the setback, in every disappointment, there’s an appointment. Thanks for all the messages!” the Zambian international said.
DAKA’S INJURY WORRY FAZ
