Juba, South Sudan- El Merriekh SC Bentiu winger Jonathan Gem has recovered from a calf strain sustained while on international duty with the South Sudan U-23 national team.
Gem picked up the injury during the first half of South Sudan’s CAF U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying second-leg encounter against Djibouti at Juba National Stadium.
According to the South Sudan national team doctor, who also serves El Merriekh SC Bentiu, the injury was minor and Gem was withdrawn as a precaution to avoid further risk.
“The injury of Jonathan Gem is a minor injury. But to avoid further risk, I informed the coach to remove him,” the doctor told Sports Hunter South Sudan.
The former Atlabara FC and Al Amal Football Academy graduate has been among South Sudan’s key attacking players in recent international assignments.
Gem scored in both legs of the CAF U-23 AFCON qualifiers against Djibouti.
He had also scored South Sudan’s only goal in the Junior Bright Stars 1-1 draw against Kenya in their second Group C match at the CECAFA U-20 Championship in Tanzania.
The winger is now expected to be available for El Merriekh’s rescheduled South Sudan Premier League Week 3 fixture against Al Hilal SC Wau at Juba National Stadium on Friday.
His return could provide an attacking boost for the reigning champions, particularly after the absence of the club’s foreign players from Thursday morning’s final training session.
