Chipolopolo striker Brian Mwila is expected to be out of action for most of September due to injury.

Mwila sustained a knee injury on September 2 while in action for Zambia in their 3-1 home win over Algeria in a 2018 World Cup Group B qualifier at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.

The striker, from South African club Platinum Stars, scored a first half brace in that match but limped off in the 68th minute before being replaced by Roderick Kabwe.

Mwila’s injury saw him fail a late fitness test for the final leg against Algeria that Zambia won 1-0 in Constantine on September 5.

“Brian is likely having a sprain of the medial ligament of the right knee,” Zambia team physician Dr George Magwenge said.

“To know exactly and the extent of the injury, an MRI scan must be done. On examination, the laxity is not significant but the pain is. He should be back to action in two-three weeks. But he should not be rushed.”

Coach Wedson Nyirenda will be keeping his fingers crossed over Mwila’s recovery with Zambia’s date penultimate Group B qualifier against Nigeria looming over the horizon on October 7, away in Uyo.

Mwila is Chipolopolo’s top scorer in 2017 with 7 goals from eight games.