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Zambia have been depleted by injuries ahead of their crucial 2014 World Cup double-header this month against Lesotho and Sudan. According to the latest sports news, the Chipolopolo�s odds against Lesotho and Sudan are threatened as defender Stopilla Sunzu and influential midfielder Rainford Kalaba will miss both of the matches. Renard Herve will also be without first choice goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene who is suspended for Saturday�s game against Lesotho. This puts Zambia in a more difficult position as they have to win to maintain their lead of Group D. The Chipolopolo remain top of the group by just a point but might be playing catch up by the time they line up against Lesotho on Saturday. This is because their closest rival; Ghana will be playing the group�s other opponents; Sudan on Friday. Zambia�s assistant coach Honour Janza admits the injuries are a bother to the team�s preparations ahead of the games but believes it creates an opportunity for the unknowns to step up and make a name for themselves. �Ultimately it is the performance of every player in the 11 to work and put in 100 percent,� Janza said. �So ideally we will move on with or without Kalaba but of course with the conscience that we will miss him just like we will miss Sunzu. �Everybody as we said is very important in the team. �All the players we called up are important and if they pick up injuries we will always miss them.� Kalaba�s absence will thrust Power Dynamos midfielder Mukuka Mulenga into the spotlight in the playmaker role this weekend. Zambia leads Group D heading into the fourth round qualifier against third from bottom Lesotho on seven and two points respectively.