Percy Tau's injuries concern Bafana coach: 'His basic physical health is not good'

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos admits he's concerned about Percy Tau's "basic physical health" after the star forward withdrew from the squad on Monday.

The 27-year-old picked up a knee injury while on duty with Egyptian giants Al Ahly and will be sidelined for a lengthy period.

Tau has since been replaced by Victor Letsoalo from Royal AM.

Tau, the Bafana vice-captain, was expected to start both upcoming international friendlies against Guinea (Friday, 19:00 SA time) and world champions France (Tuesday, 21:15 SA time).

"I was panicking a bit because these two friendly games are very important for me and for the players," Broos told reporters.

"I was very happy yesterday (Sunday) after the screening by the doctor that I have the 23 players I wanted from the beginning, except Percy.

"He's injured again. It's becoming a little problem with Percy. He had his problems with his transfer to Al Ahly (from Brighton), so he wasn't ready for the two (World Cup qualifying) games (against Zimbabwe and Ghana, where Tau played not without being 100% fit).

"He went to Al Ahly, and then he was injured for the two games against Ethiopia. Because of that injury in the two last games against Ghana and Zimbabwe, he was not 100%.

"Now he's injured again. I hope one day it will stop with him. He's a very important player for us. But I'm also a bit afraid if that goes on, we will have a problem with Percy for June. Again, he will be out for weeks with a knee problem, so that is not a good thing for us."

Broos believes a six-month hiatus from any on-field action and focus on his physical health will benefit the former Mamelodi Sundowns ace.

"Percy has been injured - and I'm exaggerating now - for the last eight months," the coach said.

"It's not a