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Serero likely to sit out with groin niggle

Thulani Serero says he was not disappointed to be left out of Shakes Mashaba's Afcon squad.
Thulani Serero says he was not disappointed to be left out of Shakes Mashaba's Afcon squad.

AJAX Amsterdam are taking a cautious approach with Thulani Serero and may rest him for Sunday’s Johan Cruyff Shield clash against PEC Zwolle.

The high-profile fixture between the Dutch league and cup winners is the traditional opener to the season and a chance for Ajax to gain some revenge for their 5-2 mauling at the hands of PEC in the Dutch Cup final last April.

Serero is back in training after picking up a groin injury in camp in Portugal that forced him out of the high-profile friendly against Benfica that was won 1-0 by the Dutch side last Saturday.

An MRI scan on Monday revealed the damage, not the first time the Bafana Bafana star has been sidelined with a groin problem, but it was able to allay initial fears that the 24-year-old would be out for an extended period.

He could yet meet Kamohelo Mokotjo’s PEC on Sunday, but indications are he will be on the bench at best for the regular season opener.

Serero made 40 appearances for Ajax in all competitions last season, scoring five goals, including a crucial opener in the 2-1 Champions League victory over Barcelona.

He helped Ajax to their fourth consecutive league title victory and recently signed a two-year extension to his current deal that will keep him at the club until June 2017.

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