Kaizer Chiefs Khanye PSL transfer rumours

Thabang Monare of Orlando Pirates challenged by Samir Nurkovic of Kaizer Chiefs during the 2021 Carling Black Label Cup match between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates on 01 August 2021 at Orlando Stadium . Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackapagePix

When will Samir Nurkovic return for Kaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs striker Samir Nurkovic has returned to South Africa as he continues to recover from knee surgery.

Kaizer Chiefs Khanye PSL transfer rumours

Thabang Monare of Orlando Pirates challenged by Samir Nurkovic of Kaizer Chiefs during the 2021 Carling Black Label Cup match between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates on 01 August 2021 at Orlando Stadium . Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackapagePix

Kaizer Chiefs striker Samir Nurkovic returned to South Africa in November and continues to recover from knee surgery performed at the end of September.

Nurkovic had returned home to Serbia during his recovery time, to attend to personal matters but last month he returned to Naturena.

While not ready to train with teammates just yet, Nurkovic is understood to be progressing towards a full return to training and an eventual return to the starting XI.

Samir Nurkovic only likely to return for Kaizer Chiefs in new year

According to reports from Kickoff.com, Nurkovic is likely to return to action early in the New Year.

Stuart Baxter has already rubbished the suggestion that Nurkovic could be moved on from Kaizer Chiefs in the near future.

“It’s a question you get asked when you’ve got good players,” the coach told Thabiso Mosia on SAFMSportOn.

“If Samir was a poor player, no one would ask me that question.

“I think Khama was attracting interest from Pitso (Mosimane) and people are asking that question, is he going, is he staying.

“All of that is part and parcel of managing the bigger clubs and managing the stars and the egos that go with it.

“I’ve got no problem with that, if one of our players becomes famous for his performances in Kaizer Chiefs, I’ll deal with that because it means they are doing well.

“If somebody comes in, I’m sure other coaches are saying ‘maybe I can have their goal scorer’. Samir rattles in 10 goals plus. I’m sure he’ll attract attention.

“When it comes to that bridge, I’ll cross it, but at the moment I’m comfortable. I’m comfortable knowing that Samir is our player at the moment.”

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With Nurkovic and Leonardo Castro out of action Kaizer Chiefs have had to adjust the way they play in the final third, with Bernard Parker enjoying some time in the front three alongside Khama Billiat and Keagan Dolly.

Castro’s return allowed Kaizer Chiefs greater flexibility but there is still a feeling that their best XI contains Nurkovic leading the line.