Miguel Cardoso provides latest update on Sundowns injuries

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has issued an injury update on some of the influential figures, with domestic football set to be halted for the three-week FIFA International break.

The African champions concluded the first cycle in spectacular fashion as they beat back-to-back Asian champions Al Ahli SC of Saudi Arabia to clinch the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup in Pretoria over the weekend.

Notably, the high-stakes match saw attacker Arthur Sales make his first appearance of the season, coming off the bench in the 85th minute after a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to an injury.

While the Brazilian forward was afforded some minutes in the closing stages, Cardoso says he is not ready to see out an entire half of a 90-minute match, owing to his low match sharpness.

“I confess to you that I spoke to Arthur and I told him, ‘Look Arthur, if I need to put you in the game [vs Al Ahli] during the second half and we go for extra time, don’t get surprised if I take you out again,” said the Downs mentor.

"Arthur obviously is able to play but he's still not physically in fitness condition to handle 45 or 50 minutes in the highest level. So, I had a talk with him and he said, ‘Coach put me five minutes I’ll be at your services for whatever you need'.

"And this is obviously the spirit that will lead us and take us ahead.

The Portuguese tactician went on to reveal that centre-half Keanu Cupido is making steady progress in his rehabilitation, but is not expected to feature anytime soon, with his injury more serious than initially anticipated.

“I also like to remind you guys that Keanu is a strong absence but we expect to recover him, not that quickly absolutely no, but later in the year. I think he's now starting to have a small smile on the face,” Cardoso added.

"That situation became a little bit more serious than we expected, but the medical department is working strong on it and trying to solve so that we have extra one.

"And we're going to need everybody because as I say, when one falls down, two get up and that's the way we will have to progress and we are excited for what we have ahead, of course.

Sundowns, meanwhile, are set to lock horns with defending champions Orlando Pirates in a humdinger of the MTN8 final after the hiatus, with the Brazilians gunning for a first domestic cup title since the 2021/22 campaign.

Hlayisani Magoro

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Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.

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