THE Zimbabwe Warriors' preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals in Morocco have suffered a setback following an injury to key midfielder and vice-captain, Marshall Munetsi.
Munetsi, a pivotal figure expected to anchor the Warriors’ midfield, wobbled off the pitch just minutes after coming on as an 85th-minute substitute for his club, Wolverhampton Wanderers, during their midweek defeat to Nottingham Forest on Wednesday.
The incident, which saw Wolves finish the game with 10 men, has cast serious doubt over his immediate availability for the national squad.
Although official confirmation on the full extent of the injury is still pending, early indications are worrying. Wolves coach Rob Edwards provided an update on Friday.
“Munetsi has had a scan today; we think he has pulled his calf,” Edwards said. He later added: “We think he has pulled his calf, but we do not have the details yet.”
A calf muscle strain typically requires a recovery period of at least two weeks, depending on the severity of the tear. This timeline is especially concerning as the Afcon finals kick off in less than a fortnight.
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Munetsi has already been ruled out of Wolves’ match against Manchester United tonight.
The vice-captain was expected to join a Warriors camp largely made up of locally based players, now entering its second week of preparations, to provide vital experience and leadership.
His partnership with Andy Rinomhota, who plays for Reading in the English League One, was key to Zimbabwe’s qualification to the continental championships.
The possible loss of a senior player of Munetsi’s calibre is a significant setback for new head coach Marian Marinica.
Marinica faces a tough task as the Warriors have been drawn in a challenging Group B alongside Egypt, South Africa and Angola.
Marinica's mandate is clear: to guide the Warriors into the knockout stages.
While other foreign-based stars like captain Marvelous Nakamba, Macauley Bonne and Alec Mudimu have already joined camp, the potential absence or delayed arrival of Munetsi could disrupt Marinica’s tactical plans and squad chemistry.