Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Siphelele Mkhulise is set to miss the CAF Champions League match against Al Ahly, which could hamper his chances of making Hugo Broos' final squad for the upcoming Bafana Bafana clashes.
Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena confirmed to the media on Thursday that Mkhulise has been ruled out for this weekend's clash against the Red Devils and is about a week or two from making a return.
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After a slow start to the season, Mkhulise has forced his way into the starting line-up at Sundowns, proving just how much of a valuable asset he is. This has not gone unnoticed, with Broos including the attacking midfielder in his preliminary squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Liberia later this month. Broos is set to cut the squad before the qualifiers.
Another player who has been ruled out of the clash against Al Ahly this weekend is Bongani Zungu.
"We have a healthy squad at the moment. Mkhulise picked up a knock in Cairo so he should still be out for some times. Bongani Zungu picked up a knock against Marumo Gallants, so he is out for another two weeks or so. It's not something too serious, fortunately," Mokwena told media during a press conference at Chloorkop on Thursday.
A big concern in the squad is the recent injury to key defender Rushine de Reuck.
"Rushine picked up a concussion and then pulled something... It's complicated with Rushine. The medical department profiles it better than me, but we should expect him out for quite some time."
There are a few Sundowns players who are slowly making their way back to full fitness.
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"Lebo Maboe is still a long-term absentee. Nasir is still a long-term absentee. But they are both on the pitch, even though they are doing isolated training. Lesedi Kapinga picked up an injury a couple of weeks ago. He's back on the green grass."
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