Erwin Saavedra Mamelodi Sundowns

Bolivian midfielder Erwin Saavedra remains unavailable for selection due to injury. Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

Sundowns’ Saavedra opens up about ‘severe’ injury

Sundowns international Erwin Saavedra has shared an emotional message about his continued struggles with injury.

Erwin Saavedra Mamelodi Sundowns

Bolivian midfielder Erwin Saavedra remains unavailable for selection due to injury. Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

Earlier this year, Saavedra received a warm welcome as he touched down in South Africa, having linked up with Sundowns on a multi-million rand deal (estimated to be around R12.25 million).

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The Bolivian international, who starred at the Copa America, was expected to add further star power to a Sundowns team that has dominated South African football over the last few years.

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Saavedra made a short Masandawana debut in the CAF Champions League as Sundowns clinched a 1-0 win in their over Al Hilal Omdurman, but he had to be taken off during the first half against Al Merrikh due to an injury, and he has been largely unavailable since then.

In total, the versatile midfielder has only managed to make just four appearances in all competitions, and back in June he admitted this was one of the toughest periods in terms of battling with injury.

“The coaches told me that injuries are part of football. To me, this is a part of football that I have never experienced before and it is new to me. I am only hoping to start the next season in the best way possible. Together we can achieve new objectives that we didn’t achieve this season,” he said.

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Saavedra has still been unable to hit the ground running at the start of the 2022/23 season, and in an Instagram post translated from Spanish, he has opened up about this unfortunate injury situation.

“For all the people who are being misinformed of my situation without knowing what is really happening, I must be the one to clarify that I am going through an injury that even I cannot understand or explain what I really feel.

“The people who know me and who saw my work up close they know that despite many injuries I was still playing, this is the first time I have an injury of this severity.

“I’m going to get through this and I’m sure I’ll come back stronger. I have faith and confidence that I am very close to my recovery. And all those who send me their messages of support I send them a hug and thank them a lot.”

Saveedra will be hoping to eventually kick-start his career with Sundowns

The talented player joined Sundowns in February in a deal which runs through to June 2024. Prior to playing for Sundowns, he was on the books of Brazilian club Goias EC and Bolivar in his native Bolivia.

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LEADING SCORERS IN THE 2021/22 DSTV PREMIERSHIP SEASON

Correct as at 22 August 2022

T1 – Gabadinho Mhango (AmaZulu) – 3

T1 – Peter Shalulile (Mamelosi Sundowns) – 3

T1 – Andre de Jong (Royal AM) – 3

T4 – Keegan Allan (Swallows) – 2

T4 – Darwin Gonzalez (Cape Town City FC) – 2

T4 – Khanyisa Mayo (Cape Town City FC) – 2

T4 – Junior Mendieta (Stellenbosch FC) – 2

T4 – Ricardo Nascimento (Royal AM) – 2