Orlando Pirates have provided an injury update on midfielder Thalente Mbatha ahead of their Nedbank Cup Last 16 encounter against Motsepe Foundation Championship side Baroka FC.
The Soweto giants will take on Baroka at Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon [15h00], aiming to secure a quarter-final spot as they pursue a third consecutive Nedbank Cup title.
Mbatha missed Pirates’ recent heavy 4-1 loss against Mamelodi Sundowns due to foot discomfort. The injury occurred nearly two weeks prior during Bucs’ 2-1 victory over Sekhukhune United, where he collided with an opponent while shooting.
Despite the absence of fractures, the discomfort persisted, forcing him to be on the sidelines for the Betway Premiership clash against log leaders Sundowns.
In a statement, Pirates have indicated Mbatha may return for their upcoming match against Baroka. However, they will be without defender Thabiso Sesane, who suffered a ruptured tendon against Sekhukhune and requires surgery.
Sesane, who was seen using crutches and a foot brace after the Sekhukhune game, is expected to be sidelined for four to six months.
PIRATES GET MBATHA LIFT AHEAD OF BAROKA SHOWDOWN
“Bucs defender Thabiso Sesane will likely miss out once more following an injury sustained during Pirates’ victory against Sekhukhune United in Polokwane last week,” said Pirates.
“However, the hosts could be bolstered by the return of midfielder Thalente Mbatha, whose foot injury ruled him out of the trip to the country’s capital over the weekend [a match against Sundowns].”
The Mbatha and Sesane injury updates come after Pirates coach Jose Riveiro declined to offer any information regarding Monnapule Saleng’s absence or the condition of other injured members of the Bucs squad.
“I don’t speak about the health of my players,” he said. “The club feels that it’s the right time to speak about which players are injured, how long they are going to take and which process of recovery they are in. It’s not part of my job description; it’s not an ethical thing.”
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