Kaizer Chiefs confirmed this week that three players will miss the Soweto Derby on Sunday, but they are still sweating over the fitness of one more.
Ramahlwe Mphahlele hobbled off clutching his quad muscle on Tuesday night when Amakhosi faced Petro de Luanda in the group stages of the CAF Champions League in Angola and he was due to be assessed upon their return.
Coach Gavin Hunt did not mention the skipper in his injury update list during a press conference on Thursday, but it was probably because the technical team is still hopeful of having Mphahlele available against Orlando Pirates.
He was ruled out with a hamstring injury the last time the two sides met in January, a league game the Buccaneers won 2-1.
Itumeleng Khune will not play on Sunday because he is still observing the Covid-19 protocols after he attended the funeral of his sister, while Lebo Manyama is suspended and both Leonardo Castro and Khama Billiat are injured.
Mphahlele was recently appointed Chiefs captain by Hunt and the coach has praised his contribution so far this season.
It's thought then that the club will leave it until the last minute, perhaps on Saturday, to assess whether 'Rama' can lead Amakhosi against Pirates.
