Orlando Pirates have provided an injury update on Luvuyo Memela, who joins Ben Motshwari and Vincent Pule on the sidelines.

The 31-year-old Memela, meanwhile, sprained his ankle in training on Monday but should be back by next week.

The current Fifa international break came at the perfect time for the Buccaneers after their long and difficult month of August with a congested fixture schedule, consisting of seven matches across all competitions.

However, the break will now afford the Sea Robbers the much-needed time to recover and reset before they welcome Chippa United to the Orlando Stadium on 14 September.

The Soweto giants provided the following injury update on Motshwari, Pule and Memela.

Ben Motshwari:

‘The midfielder suffered an ankle injury during the MTN8 clash against Highlands Park in August. Post a series of three prolotherapy injections, the inflammation on his right ankle is currently minimal. His work load is being managed in order to avoid a flare-up. He is progressing well and has started light jogging, weight-bearing and strengthening of the right leg. He is being integrated back into training three weeks post injury from an initial recommendation of six weeks out of training.’

Vincent Pule:

‘He was injured during the Caf game against Green Eagles at Orlando Stadium. Pule suffered a left grade-1 strain [high] of the MCL and strain of left sartorius distal insertion. At the moment he is undergoing field-based rehabilitation and he will be reassessed next week to see when he can be reincorporated slowly back into the team.’

Luvuyo Memela:

‘Memela suffered a right-ankle sprain, this past Monday at training. He is currently working with the team’s biokineticist. He is almost in his final phase of rehabilitation. He is expected to be reincorporated back into the team by Monday, 9 September 2019.’