Mamelodi Sundowns are hoping to have Abubeker Nasir available again before the end of this season, while coach Rulani Mokwena has given an update on Sphelele Mkhulise ahead of the Nedbank Cup on Thursday.
Nasir has been unlucky with injuries in his first season with the DStv Premiership champions, which has seen him spend more time off the pitch than on it.
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The Ethiopian has been hit by injury on two separate occasions this season. When he first returned from a layoff, he played 45 minutes against Orlando Pirates in the final days of 2022, but a clash with Buccaneers goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane saw him being ruled out since then.
Mokwena confirmed that the 23-year-old is back on the green grass, but is not quite ready yet to return to training with the rest of the team.
"Really hope so. He is back on the green grass, but not back in full team training. But it's good to see that he is back on the green grass and he is doing some work with the staff. He is someone that we are also looking forward to welcoming back and integrating back into training and competing for a place in the team. It's going to be tough for him because of the performances of the players in his position. Fingers crossed that he will be back very soon," Mokwena told media during a Nedbank Cup press conference on Tuesday.
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Mokwena also gave an update on other players who are not available for selection.
"Not much has changed from the previous injury list. From the top of my head, Gaston Sirino is still out, Lebo Maboe is still out, still Lesedi Kapinga out. Gift Motupa picked up a knock, which still needs to be assessed on the toe, against Al Ahly. He's on the medical list. Mkhulise picked up an injury against Al Ahly and you saw we had to take him off in the second half. He joins that list. Saavedra is out, even though he is on the green grass and training in isolation," Mokwena said.
Sundowns take on Marumo Gallants in the Nedbank Cup at Free State Stadium on Thursday.
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