WHAT HAPPENED?
Orlando Pirates have been hit by injuries with some players struggling to recover back to full fitness.
The likes of Olisa Ndah and Thabiso Monyane have re-injured as they were getting back to full recovery.
WHAT PIRATES SAID
“Orlando Pirates will be without talisman Patrick Maswanganyi when the Buccaneers face MC Alger in an all-important TotalEnergies CAF Champions League quarter-final encounter on Tuesday,” Pirates said in a statement.
“The 26-year-old who has been sidelined due to injury, did not make it to the traveling squad as he continues to receive treatment for a quad strain injury.
“The Buccaneers medical staff was on hand to provide updates for all the players currently receiving treatment.”
Thabiso Monyane
Right back has re-injured his hamstring after pulling out in a friendly match recently. According to the medical team, the 24-year-old continues to undergo rehabilitation.
Zakhele Lepasa
Has started partial team training with team. Player will not be rushed, and he will be integrated with team intermittently.
Olisa Ndah
Olisa has sustained a stress fracture injury after landing awkwardly during a friendly match played recently. The medical team will provide an update on the status of recovery in 3-4 weeks.
Thabiso Sesane
Continues to undergo rehabilitation. He has started weight bearing and is currently working on range movement.
Thabiso Lebitso
Like with Sesane, Lebitso has also started weight bearing work. The medical team will provide an update on recovery process in 5-6 weeks.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Pirates coach Jose Riveiro might not be cracking his head over the injury setback as the Buccaneers have been performing well even in the absence of those players.
However, the Soweto giants are in a demanding period of their season and their Spaniard trainer would need a large pool of players to pick from.
That put them to test to see if they can navigate the taxing fixtures without some of their key men.
WHAT NEXT?
Chasing Mamelodi Sundowns in the Premier Soccer League race as well as participating in the Caf Champions League might strain Pirates’ squad.
Riveiro will be hoping they are not affected by injuries to key players as they also bid for a third successive Nedbank Cup.