Mamelodi Sundowns issue injury update following international break

Mamelodi Sundowns have been given a boost ahead of their return to continental football.

Andile Jali was recently forced off with injury in the clash against Orlando Pirates prior to the international break.

However, with the Caf Champions League once again on the horizon, the 28-year-old has recovered from a hamstring injury. 

“Andile Jali has recovered from the hamstring that saw him fail to finish Sundowns’ goalless draw with Orlando Pirates. He is continuing with treatment,” Sundowns said on their official website.

While the international break was beneficial towards Jali’s recovery, it has also provided Sundowns’ medical team with a few other headaches.

Sundowns captain Hlompho Kekana, goalkeeper Denis Onyango, Tiyani Mabunda and Themba Zwane have all returned from international duty nursing injuries.

“The international break left Mamelodi Sundowns with a number of casualties, including captain Hlompho Kekana and Uganda’s No. 1, Dennis Onyango. Kekana will be assessed on Friday for the contusion he has.

“Luckily there was no swelling and the skipper was rested on Thursday,” the club explained.

“Onyango was also rested upon his return from national team duty in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The goalkeeper had tenderness in his abductor," the statement revealed.

“Themba Zwane has a similar injury after featuring for Bafana Bafana in the 1-1 draw with Nigeria. He managed to complete a full training session on Thursday. Tiyani Mabunda was rested for that session due to a strain on his knee. He will also be assessed on Friday," Sundowns continued.

Meanwhile, the club have also confirmed a number of other injuries to key players but are confident that they will be fit when their league action resumes.

“Ricardo Nascimento has a strain on his left hip reflectors,” the club confirmed.

“Oupa Manyisa (knee), Anele Ngcongca (Achilles tendon) and Thapelo Morena (calf tightness) will also be assessed on Friday while Jeremy Brockie has a laceration on his big toe,” the club added.

“These players should be fit and ready when the Brazilians resume their Absa Premiership title defence after this weekend’s Telkom Knockout semi-finals,” the statement concluded.