Orlando Pirates left back Marc Van Heerden has returned to full training after recovering from a grade 1 muscle tear during the match against Bidvest Wits.

The Buccaneers recently secured a point against arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs, following their 1-1 in a thrilling Soweto derby which saw an own goal by Tshepo Masilela cancelled out Joseph Molangoane’s 16th-minute opener. Both sides walked away with a point each.

The 28-year old has been given the green light by the Buccaneers medical team and will be made available for selection for their Absa Premiership encounter against SuperSport United on Tuesday.

The Pirates left back has missed the Buccaneers last two matches, after suffering a grade 1 muscle (quad) tear in their Absa Premiership defeat to the Clever Boys.

Van Heerden has already scored one goal and assisted one more from 14 appearances in all competitions so far this season.

Meanwhile, Patrick Phungwayo will undergo further assessment with the medical team after suffering a slight knock during their 1-1 stalemate against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday.

Wingers Thabo Qalinge (back) and Thabo Rakhale (hamstring) are still nursing their respective injuries. The duo are out of contention and will only be made available for selection in the next couple of weeks.

The Sea Robbers currently occupy 11th place in the Absa Premiership standings with 22 points and have won only four out of 19 matches played so far this season.

Orlando Pirates will next take on SuperSport United when the two sides meet in the Absa Premiership on Tuesday.

The match at the Orlando Stadium kicks off at 19:30.

Image: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix