Is Olisa Ndah's season over? Orlando Pirates give latest on Nigeria international's injury & other key players

Olisah Ndah was injured on September 24 in the Premier Soccer League game against Polokwane City, a match they won 3-0.

The Nigeria international has since missed the PSL fixture against Richards Bay and the MTN8 final versus Stellenbosch.

The centre-back has also missed Nigeria's international assignments.

The Buccaneers are unbeaten in their last 11 games across all competitions despite the absence of some notable names.

Thalente Mbatha was injured recently and joins Olisa Ndah, Bandile Shandu, Tapelo Xoki, Goodman Mosele, Zakhele Lepasa, Thabiso Lebitso, Sandile Mthethwa, and Ethan Visagie.

Here are the most recent updates from Bucs' media team.

The Nigerian international is expected to be out on the sidelines for a lengthy spell. The Bucs medical department has confirmed that the 26-year-old has suffered a tibia fracture. Due to the location and nature of the injury; the decision on surgery is not straightforward but based on this type of injury, Ndah has been ruled out for the rest of the year.

Continues to undergo rehabilitation regarding the injury he suffered in Pirates' 3-1 win over Stellenbosch FC in the MTN8. The Bucs medical team will continue to monitor his progress this week before clearing him to return to full training.

Has started full training with the team. He has also begun playing 35 minutes for friendly matches. This load will increase every week until he reaches 90 minutes without feeling any discomfort.

Has been cleared to return to full training, with a focus on agility drills before being allowed to participate in friendly matches.

Is currently undergoing an intermediate rehabilitation phase. He has started jogging and the team has slowly introduced heavy-loaded weight training.

Like Mosele, Lepasa is also currently undergoing an intermediate rehabilitation phase. He has started running on the field and strength training.

Has started running as part of his progression. Scheduled to start plyometric training as of next week. 

Continues with external biokinetic training to improve strength in hamstring and quadriceps.

Sustained an abdominal muscle strain during training. He is attending rehabilitation sessions with a visceral therapist who deals with this type of injury.

Sustained a right ankle sprain during training. Post orthopaedic consultation; conservative treatment was suggested as a strategy for his recovery.

With Ndah out, Tapelo Xoki is expected to start alongside Thabiso Sesane at the heart of the club's defense.

However, on Saturday, captain Innocent Maela might be partnered with Sesane in the Carling Knockout's Round of 16.