Concern over Mamelodi Sundowns striker Abubeker Nasir

The medics at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium had to quickly rush Nasir to the hospital after the Ethiopian suffered yet another injury, setting him back in his fight to play regularly. 

He had been named in the Downs starting line-up against Orlando Pirates, a DStv Premiership clash the Brazilians ended up winning 2-0 – thanks to goals from Mothobi Mvala and Cassius Mailula. 

The 22-year-old appeared to win the ball in a duel with goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane minutes before the half-time break, but referee Luxolo Badi waved played on – much to the surprise of the Sundowns bench, who were up in arms. 

SABC Sport witnessed first-hand the player being taken via ambulance to the nearest hospital, with indications that his injury could be as bad as it looked. 

Asked by the public broadcaster for an update shortly after the victory over the Buccaneers, the head coach Mokwena refrained from slamming Badi. 

“I don’t want to talk about referees, but it was a bad injury. We do not have an injury update yet, and when we do the club will communicate the latest.” 

The Ethiopian international had not featured for Downs since September after the early days of his arrival at Chloorkop were hampered by yet another spell on the sidelines. 

With fixtures coming thick and fast, it remains to be seen how quickly Sundowns can have Nassir back available again, but the early diagnosis is that he could be watching from home over the next several weeks. 

Downs next host Swallows on Tuesday in the league.