The Warriors technical team has included Knowledge Musona in the 23-man squad for the September 4 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Liberia at Rufaro Stadium.
Musona injured himself during a training session last week at his new German Bundesliga club Hoffeinhem and has been ruled out for three weeks.
However, Warriors manager Sharif Mussa believes there is a window of opportunity that the striker, who has scored Zimbabwe’s only three goals in the campaign, could still recover in time.
“I have not spoken to his team, but with what we have been reading in the papers, I believe he could still recover. Once we speak to him and the club, then we will know whether he is completely ruled out or not,” Mussa said yesterday in announcing the squad.
Musona scored twice in the last home qualifier against Mali on June 5 in a 2-1 win-a result which enabled Zimbabwe to remain in contention for a place in the 2012 finals. The warriors are third with five points from a win, two draws and a loss. Cape Verde Islands lead the standings with six and Mali are in second place with six points.
Musona was also on target in the 1-1 draw away to Liberia in the opening qualifier.
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There were no major surprises in the team with coach Norman Mapeza sticking to the players that did duty against Mali in June and last Wednesday against Zambia in an international friendly.
Ruled out though due to suspension, is striker Nyasha Mushekwi and defender Thomas Sweswe while club-hunting Justice Majabvi’s future with the national team is also in doubt, at least for now.
Veteran Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Esrom Nyandoro was in Bulawayo for family business last week and did not start the season with the rest of the team.
He was ignored for the last home clash against Mali in June.
The FC Platinum trio of impressive Charles Sibanda, Benjamin Marere and Daniel Vheremu, Caps United’s Tapiwa Khumbuyani, Highlanders’ Erick Mudzingwa, Gunners’ left-back Qadr Amini, the Dynamos pair goalkeeper Washington Arubi and midfielder Archford Gutu and Motor Action shot stopper Marlon Jani are the nine local players in the squad.
Recalled is Gilbert Mapemba of Moroka Swallows who was excused for the Zambia match and Ajax Cape Town star Tafadzwa Rusike. New Kaizer Chiefs signing Lincoln Zvasiya is also part of the team.
Al Hilal hitman Edward Sadomba, goalkeeper Tapiwa Kapini — who was recently named AmaZulu captain, skipper Method Mwanjali, who turns out for Mamelodi Sundowns together with striker Simba Sithole, Nengomasha and the pair of Ajax Cape Town players Khama Billiat and Katsande have been named.
Warriors Goalkeepers: T Kapini, M Jani, W Arubi Defenders: Q Amini, T Khumbuyani, D Vheremu, M Mwanjali (capt), V Nyoni, G Mapemba Midfielders: A Gutu, C Sibanda, E Mudzingwa, B Marere, T Nengomasha, T Rusike, W Katsande, K Billiat, O Karuru, Q Antipas, L Zvasiya Strikers: K Musona, E Sadomba, S Sithole