Kaizer Chiefs will be without goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune for the blockbuster clash against Mamelodi Sundowns at the FNB Stadium on Saturday.

The Chiefs skipper missed his side’s last match in the league for 2018 as the Amakhosi edged SuperSport United in Nelspruit, but he did play in the Caf Confederation Cup second leg against Elgeco Plus as Ernst Middendorp’s side sealed their progression.

Khune has been struggling with a shoulder injury and was not present at training with the rest of the squad on Thursday afternoon. The club confirmed that he will be assessed by the medical team, as well as an external specialist.

The Bafana Bafana No 1 is due to see the specialist on Thursday ‘to determine the extent of his injury and also to determine the period of recovery’, according to the club.

Chiefs will be hoping that Khune will not be out for too long as they look to turn their season around in 2019.

Middendorp’s arrival at the beginning of December, after Giovanni Solinas was sacked for a below par start to the season, has seemed to breathe new life into the squad at Naturena, and the German coach will undoubtedly rely on the experience and influence of Khune to steady the ship.