Kaizer Chiefs coach Muhsin Ertugral revealed to kaizerchiefs.com on Wednesday that The Amakhosi could be resigned to losing central defender Jonathan Quartey as they learned that a scan under taken by the player revealed that the Ghanaian could need an operation.

The Chiefs medical team, along with the coach, had a number of meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday and have been mulling over the specialist report and what the next step of action should be. Losing Quartey, who made his debut for Chiefs during their 1-1 draw with Jomo Cosmos in August and was injured during Chiefs first-round Telkom Cup victory over Moroka Swallows on the 29th September, will be a set back for The Amakhosi.

The Ghanaian youth international was sent for a scan on the 1st October which did not reveal any damage to his hernia, the player was still in pain and was not responding to the treatment and as a result was sent for a second one this week which revealed the damage to his hernia.

Operation looms

Chiefs Physiotherapist David Milner tells kaizerchiefs.com that it took doctors a month to pick up that Quartey had a hernia problem, as he added “The first scan that Jonathan went for just after the Swallows game did not show anything, remember at the time we were not looking for this particular problem. Jonathan at the time went for the initial scan and we were looking at damage to his hip as that was the injury he suffered during the Swallows game.”

A second scan to the central defender on Monday revealed unwelcome news for the Amakhosi, Milner further says “After Monday’s scan we have discussed the various options available and if he does undergo an operation, we are likely to have him out of action for around two months, basically he will not be able to play again this year.”

Medical matter

Chiefs Muhsin Ertugral is not too concerned about losing Quartey as his defence have held firm in the absence of the young Ghanaian. He is though concerned about the long term effects that could pose problems being endured by the player at the moment.

“We are not sure if this problem came about as a result of the injury he picked up against Swallows, that really is not important right now what is, is for him to get the best possible care. We have to put his health first and if he needs an operation then we will let him go for one as soon as possible, him regaining his overall strength and fitness is our priority.”