By KALUMIANA KALUMIANA –

NKANA’S preparations for the Orange 2014 CAF Champions League competition have suffered a setback following a nagging injury to midfielder Kelvin Mubanga, who has since been withdrawn from pre-season training to seek treatment.

 Mubanga was restricted to light training alone on Friday at Nkana Stadium in Kitwe as the Zambian champions returned from their Christmas break.

Nkana coach Masauso Mwale said in an interview that Mubanga has been sent to seek full examination over a recurring injury on his right leg.

“I decided to pull him out of training on Friday afternoon after I noticed that he was still limping. It looks like the same right leg that gave him problems towards the end of the season,” Mwale said.

 “I have asked him to immediately see the doctor for a thorough evaluation over his injury and I am expecting a detailed report from the doctor on his fitness,” he added.

Mwale said he could not afford to risk bringing him back for training until he had fully recovered from the injury with a crucial CAF Champions League engagement coming up in February.

“If it means his leg is cast in a plaster of Paris then we shall do that because it is for the best of both the player and the team,” Mwale said.

Nkana have returned for early preseason training ahead of their Champions League preliminary stage tie against Mbabane Swallows of Swaziland.

The 12-time FAZ Super League champions will face Swallows away on February 8 before hosting the Swaziland side on February 15 in the final leg in Kitwe.