Asante Kotoko have lost influential duo Michael Helegbe and Issa Yakubu for Sunday’s Ghana Premier League derby against Hearts of Oak in Accra.

Midfielder gem Helegbe picked up an early leg injury during Kotoko’s opening 2-1 win over Aduana Stars in Sunyani last Sunday. Yakubu, another middle man, has been ruled out due to ” athlete foot” injury.

Kotoko coach Mas-Ud Dramani has a quality replacement in Yahaya Mohammed to replace Helegbe whose sublime skills will be sorely missed.

The defending league champions have not lost at the Accra Sports Stadium in three seasons.