Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has revealed he could be without Thapelo Morena for their upcoming Caf Champions League encounter with Petro de Luanda.

The Brazilians returned to winning ways in the Absa Premiership when they secured a 2-1 victory over Tshwane rivals SuperSport United at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday.

However, Morena was forced off the field through injury in the second half and subsequently replaced by Phakamani Mahlambi, who finished the remaining minutes of the game.

Mosimane has now confirmed that Morena sustained a groin injury and he does not intend to risk the player when they take on Petro de Luanda at the Estadio 11 de Novembro on Saturday.

‘It’s a big one to lose Thapelo, I need Thapelo on that match, an away game. It’s a game that we need to win it, if we win it we’re No 1 on our group, we avoid the big boys, it’s a big game for us,’ Mosimane told SuperSport TV after the game.

‘I was worried that we’re playing this game [SuperSport in between], but the boys showed good mental strength, they were disciplined, they passed well. If you control the game, I don’t know what percentage was ball possession. If it’s 60/40, 70/30, then the opponent must score from 30% and they scored from 30%, that’s all.

‘He played with a groin but he said he was OK. I think he’ll miss that one. But when you have “Mshishi” [Themba Zwane] back we look also better,’ he concluded.

Mamelodi Sundowns versus Petro de Luanda kicks off at 3pm.