Zambian striker Kingstone Mutandwa will miss the Chipolopolo’s AFCON qualifier against Burundi next Friday after suffering a knee injury.
He has, however, expressed relief that his knee injury is not more serious, despite facing approximately eight weeks on the sidelines.
Mutandwa sustained the injury during Servette’s match against FC Saint-Gallen last Saturday, with the Swiss Super League club confirming that the forward is expected to be out for around eight weeks.
The on-loan striker was substituted just nine minutes into the match.
In a medical update posted on its social media platforms, Servette said Mutandwa’s return to competitive action was planned for early 2027, subject to a favourable recovery.
Reacting to the setback, the striker said he was grateful that the injury was not worse, while thanking those who had reached out with messages of support and prayers.
“Every time I step onto the pitch, my prayer is always to come back healthy. Unfortunately, injuries are part of football, but I thank God that it wasn’t anything more serious,” Mutandwa said in a Facebook post.
“I’m grateful to everyone who has checked on me and kept me in their prayers. Your love means a lot.
“Now it’s time to focus on recovery, come back stronger, and do what I love again.”
The injury is a setback for the Chipolopolo as Zambia prepares for back-to-back 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against Burundi.
Mutandwa started Zambia’s recent encounters against Algeria and Togo, establishing himself as one of the options in the national team’s attacking department.
Mutandwa Absent, Daka’s Return
Mutandwa’s expected absence means Chipolopolo coach George Lwandamina will have to reassess his attacking options ahead of the crucial qualifiers as Zambia looks to strengthen its position in Group I. Zambia is second in the group with three points, one behind leaders Algeria and level on points with Togo.
Lwandamina is expected to name his squad this week for the two matches, with fit-again Patson Daka likely to earn a recall.
In the opening AFCON qualifying match, Daka, who plays for Hamburger SV, was deployed behind Mutandwa, who led the attack. However, the striker missed the subsequent match against Togo after picking up an injury in Algeria.
Servette have wished the Zambian international a speedy recovery as he begins his rehabilitation.
