Edson Castillo's forced absence will put to test Kaizer Chiefs' options in the key central midfield position, which has left questions floating about the solutions in Nasreddine Nabi's squad.
Castillo – who is also a Venezuelan international – is the most experienced in the two positions in front of the back four and can play into advanced positions.
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An injury caused by what Chiefs have labelled a vicious tackle has left the player with a fractured fibula and he could be out for four to five months, which equates to about 15 matches out.
Minus the South American, the technical team started with Yusuf Maart and Njabulo Blom against Magesi FC.
Maart was a bundle of nerves throughout the hour that he spent on the field, before he was replaced by Samkelo Zwane.
His central midfield partner on that evening in Polokwane was Blom, who kept working hard but tends to have limitations with his ability to provide penetration when advancing the ball.
Then against Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday, those two central midfield positions had Blom and Zwane.
The latter was subdued and it was no surprise when he was pulled out four minutes into the second half.
Blom did no better and was taken out just after the hour mark.
With that midfield space tender, it allowed Sundowns the freedom to widen their attacking options, which led to them hurting Chiefs as frequently as they did.
What happens next in midfield will be of interest with Sibongiseni Mthethwa waiting for his chance, while Lehlogonolo Matlou and Mduduzi Mdantsane are both needed back to provide intelligence on the ball.
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As it stands, with Zwane evidently not yet ready to carry the load, Blom is functioning below his best, while Maart is not assured as the captain, it leaves Chiefs with concerns that could come at a cost as has been evident in the last two games.
Opponents will take notice, and the Amakhosi central defence will be left in trouble as was evidenced with Inacio Miguel's sending off.