Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro is hoping for injury relief ahead after his side was rocked by a defensive injury crisis in recent weeks.
The Buccaneers are gradually finding their footing this season, with four wins from the last five league matches.
However, Riveiro has had to do it in the midst of an injury crisis to at least four of his defenders as club captain Innocent Maela, Thabiso Monyane, Paseka Mako and Bandile Shandu are all sidelined due to various injuries.
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The results have seen attacking midfielder Fortune Makaringe take up the full-back right on the right side of the wing while Deon Hotto took up the left-back position.
"Well, the bad side of our situation regarding injuries is that we have four injuries in the same position, in the full-back position," Riveiro said after Pirates' 1-0 win over TS Galaxy on Saturday.
"It's forcing us to find different solutions, like Deon [Hotto], since a long time ago, now Fortune, they are doing an excellent job, an amazing job.
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But, perhaps a light at the end of the tunnel. Maela has been fully involved in Pirate's recent training sessions as the left-back edges closer to a return, as is Bandile Shandu.
"That's what makes it a little bit more complicated, but we have a couple of players close to coming back, hopefully before this year's end," added Riveiro.
"Hopefully for the SuperSport United game and the Stellenbosch game, we can recover more bodies."
Before those encounters though, Pirates take on Lamontville Golden Arrows at Mpumalanga Stadium on Sunday. Kick-off is at 15:30.
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