Maritzburg United coach Ernst Middendorp says he is hopeful that Andre Fileccia will return from injury in time to face Free State Stars in the Absa Premiership.

The 25-year-old striker has only played two games for his new club this season after experiencing discomfort heading into his side’s clash against SuperSport United in Septemeber.

Middendorp says he is worried about rushing Fileccia back on to the pitch after spending six months out with a knee injury.

‘Andre wanted to try against Polokwane City and he got injured in the warm-up against SuperSport United, unfortunately,’ Middendorp told KickOff.com.

‘We all must be realistic. It is hard to explain it to him and I’m trying to take responsibility. I didn’t allow him to try before the Polokwane game. I know he’s coming from a six-month injury and surgery and it was a very, very bad injury. Everybody knows he broke the bone.

The 57-year-old believes that the striker needs to nurse himself back to full match fitness and try and regain the form he produced for Ea Lla Koto last season.

‘I’m absolutely realistic and I’m surprised of how he fared against Bloemfontein Celtic (in the first league match). I know exactly he needs to bide his time to fully come back to his performance level,’ he added.

‘It was not right to push him into the game against Polokwane City and I stopped him from trying. But we will prepare him for the 15th against Free State Stars in Orkney.’

Maritzburg United against Free State Stars kicks off at 15:30.