LONDON – Bournemouth manager Scott Parker has cast doubts over Jordan Zemura‘s recovery from injury on time for the Africa Cup of Nations finals which begins on 9 January 2022 in Cameroon.
Zemura, who came in with stellar performances in the World Cup qualifiers against Ghana, has been down with an injury since late October and his recovery is taking longer than expected according to the Bournemouth manager.
“Lloyd Kelly is probably ahead of Jordan Zemura. He’s progressing well and is not too far away. Jordan’s probably a little bit longer than that, he’s a few weeks away from being with us,” Parker said.
With the Africa Cup of Nations finals being seven weeks away, chances are now slim that Zemura who is comfortable as a left back or left attacking midfielder will be fit on time for the tournament.
Another England based defender Brandon Galloway is out after being injured in Plymouth Argyle‘s match against Wycombe Wanderers last week.
Galloway is also a doubt for the AFCON showpiece after picking a knee injury.
United States based defender Teenage Hadebe is another concern as he is still recovering from an injury.
Good news however is that captain Knowledge Musona and France based Tino Kadewere who missed the matches against South Africa and Ethiopia earlier this month are now fully fit and getting game time at their clubs.
Tanzania based striker Prince Dube has also recovered from a long term injury which kept him on the sidelines.
Norman Mapeza is expected to be announced as the Zimbabwe national team coach for the AFCON tourney after recently serving on an interim basis during the disastrous 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Group G campaign.
Zimbabwe are in Group B along with Senegal, Guinea and Malawi.
The tournament starts on 9 January.
