Zimpapers Logo

Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter

BRENDAN GALLOWAY is now a huge doubt for his maiden appearance at the AFCON finals, in Cameroon, next January, after the defender suffered a serious knee injury on Tuesday night.

The Warriors’ technical staff have said they will now be closely monitoring the defender.

Galloway, who made his long-awaited debut for Zimbabwe during the 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Ghana last month, features in the provisional 40-man shortlist submitted to CAF by ZIFA, for the tournament.

Zimbabwe are among the 24 finalists for the continent’s premier football showcase.

Deadline for the submission of provisional squads was November 15.

Warriors team manager, Wellington Mpandare, said they were still trying to ascertain the extent of the injury, after receiving the bad news, from England.  

Galloway was stretchered off the pitch, with what looked like a serious knock on the knee, during an English League One match between Plymouth Argyle and Wycombe Wanderers.

In his absence, Plymouth conceded three goals, to go down 0-3 at home, in their second loss, on the trot.

“It’s sad he gets injured at such a crucial moment,’’ said Mpandare. 

“Remember, all the national team coaches — from Callisto Pasuwa, Sunday Chidzambwa, Joey Antipas and recently Zdravko Logarusic — had expressed their desire to have this boy in the team.

“And, last month, he finally played against Ghana.

“Obviously, he is still new to our culture of football but he is definitely among the 40 players registered for AFCON.

“But, right now, we don’t know how long he is going to be out. 

“I will be engaging him, and the club, as well. 

“We wish him a speedy recovery and, hopefully, by the time the AFCON comes around, he would have fully recovered.’’

The Plymouth Herald reported yesterday that the 25-year-old was taken off in severe pain, after dislocating his knee cap, shortly before the break.

The match was scoreless at the time but Argyle went on to lose the match 0-3.

Plymouth Argyle’s team manager, Ryan Lowe, said they were still to ascertain the extent of the injury, and how long the player could spend, on the sidelines.

Galloway dislocated a kneecap in a freak accident, when he slipped to the ground after attempting a shot at goal, shortly after the half hour mark.

It was immediately obvious he was in a lot of pain, as he remained on the ground, before medical attention could get to him.

There was a lengthy delay to the game as Galloway was assessed, before he was strapped onto a stretcher, and carried off the pitch.

Galloway signed for Argyle during pre-season, on a short-term contract until January, after an injury-hit two years at Luton Town, during which he battled a long-term knee problem.

This latest injury is to the other knee and Lowe explained that no medial ligament, or anterior cruciate ligament damage, had been detected.

“I’m gutted for him, but he will be looked after, there is no doubt about it, and I don’t know how serious it is to be honest,” Lowe told the Plymouth Herald.

“I’m told if you dislocate your kneecap it just goes back in and there is a bit of swelling around it. We will have to wait and see what the scans and that say.

“I’m just pleased that it’s no MCL or ACL, or anything like that, and it’s the opposite knee anyway.”

The loss of Galloway, especially to such a serious injury, was a big blow for Argyle, who went on to concede all three goals against Wycombe, in the closing half an hour.

Galloway has suffered a series of injuries since his days with English Premiership side, Everton, and this has derailed his progress. 

“I’m sure the physios will watch it back to see how he has done it and how he has fallen awkwardly. 

“Hopefully, he will be okay.”

Galloway earned his maiden cap with the Warriors last month when they clashed against Ghana, in a 2022 World Cup qualifier, at the National Sports Stadium.

The former Everton man, who grew up in the UK and played for the England age-group teams up to the Under-21 side, has pledged his allegiance to the Warriors.