Orlando Pirates have provided the latest injury update, with grim news on Nigerian-born defender Olisa Ndah, who has already experienced the misfortune of missing the MTN8 final earlier this month.
The Buccaneers are deep in preparation for Saturday's Carling Knockout Last 16 fixture against Magesi FC, and will be welcoming back the likes of Sipho Chaine, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Thabiso Sesane, Patrick Maswanganyi and Relebohile Mofokeng from national duty.
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However, there will be a couple of absentees, with a few players close to making a full recovery from their respective injuries.
Ndah, though, who has been a mainstay for Pirates since the season started, contributing massively to their unbeaten run after 11 matches in all competitions, has been ruled out of action for what remains of 2024.
"The Bucs medical department has confirmed that the 26 year old has suffered a tibia fracture. Due to the location and nature of the injury; the decision on surgery is not straightforward but based on this type of injury, Ndah has been ruled out for the rest of the year," reads the latest update, as per the club's website.
With his return date not yet known, the dreadlocked star's time on the sidelines could extend well beyond four months.
This means the man who joined the Soweto giants at the beginning of the 2021/22 season from Nigerian outfit Akwa United will miss, amongst others, the big CAF Champions League group stage opener against Egyptian giants Al Ahly on the weekend of 26-27 November.
Ndah is also set to miss out on the final of the Carling Knockout at Orlando Stadium should Jose Riveiro's men make it all the way.
It is a big blow for the side, with his promising defensive combination with youngster Sesane temporarily dismantled, meaning Sibisi will likely regain a starting berth at centre-back, while captain Innocent Maela is another option.
Meanwhile, another central defender, Tapelo Xoki, "has been cleared to return to full training, with focus on agility drills before being allowed to participate in friendly matches".
Sandile Mthethwa, who has been on the periphery for much of his time at Pirates, is said to have "sustained an abdominal muscle strain during training. He is attending rehabilitation sessions with a visceral therapist that deals with this type of injuries".
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On the positive side, the likes of Tapelo Xoki, Thabiso Lebitso and Goodman Mosele are inching closer to a return and look set to be available for selection before the end of October.