Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mnqgithi says while Gaston Sirino is nearing a return from injury, he won’t be rushed back into action as he will be needed as the season progresses.

The Uruguayan forward started the season with Downs as they fell to defeat by Bloemfontein Celtic in the MTN8 quarter-finals – the first game of the season – but has not played an official match since due to injury.

Persistent rumours have linked the forward with a move to Ah Ahly and other Arab teams, although Downs have remained firm in their stance that their star man is not for sale.

The injury was thought to be ‘short term’ but Sirino has missed three league games since and following their first game back from the Fifa break, where they beat AmaZulu 4-3, many were asking why the 28-year-old was still missing.

Speaking to SoccerLaduma, Mnqgithi said his star man should be back in action soon.

‘With Sirino’s injury, he should be back anytime soon,’ the coach explained.

‘And we are not even rushing him, to be honest. We are still going to need him a lot as the season progresses.’

Sirino is likely to play a massive role for Downs this season as he looks to continue to perform, firing the Brazilians to more silverware.