Mamelodi Sundowns’ team doctor, Carl Tabane, has given a timeline for when midfielder Teboho Mokoena is expected to return from injury.

The midfield workhorse has been struggling with a knee injury and has missed Masandawana’s last two CAF Champions League games. In his absence, the Brazilians were held 0-0 away at Angolan side Wiliete SC, before being frustrated to a 1-1 draw, which saw them failing to reach the group stage on the away goals rule.

Initially injured while on national team duty with Bafana Bafana, Mokoena then sat out the 2027 AFCON qualifier against Eritrea and the international friendly match against Egypt. He then returned to play 90 minutes in the MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates, before featuring 63 minutes in the Betway Premiership clash with Richards Bay FC.

Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso revealed that Mokoena played through pain in the MTN8 final and his knee had not fully healed. The player then pushed for some game time against the Natal Rich Boyz before being sidelined in the two matches against Wiliete.

WHEN IS TEBOHO MOKOENA RETURNING? SUNDOWNS TEAM DOCTOR RESPONDS

Dr Tabane has revealed that Mokoena is expected to be back in a “week or two” in an update that eases worries that the player could be out for a longer period.

“He had a second knock on the very same body part that he got injured [before]. So, we are hoping that in the next week or two we should have him back, but obviously we are working hard to make sure that he comes back early,” Dr Tabane told the Sundowns media team. 

Dr Tabane’s update could sound as good news for Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane, who needs Mokoena for the back-to-back 2027 AFCON qualifers against Kenya on November 11 and 15.

Besides, Mokoena and Masandawana have been hit by injuries to key players, but Cardoso has always insisted on squad depth to prepare for such times. The likes of Khuliso Mudau, Grant Kekana, Keanu Cupido and Kegan Johannes have been battling fitness issues.