An Orlando Pirates is likely facing a lengthy period on the sidelines after suffering a major injury setback during the Buccaneers' comprehensive win over Royal AM.
The Soweto giants continued their relentless form with a 4-0 hammering of Royal AM at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Sunday, thanks to goals from Patrick Maswanganyi, Kabelo Dlamini, Relebohile Mofokeng and Thelente Mbatha.
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In sour news for the Soweto giants' faithful, the team also lost one of their key players to injury, as Thabiso Lebitso was stretchered off with what the club has confirmed to be a collarbone injury that will require surgery.
"The Bucs medical team has revealed to Orlandopiratesfc.com that the 28-year-old right-back has suffered a broken collarbone, which requires surgical intervention," read an update from the club official website.
"The prognosis of how long Lebitso will be out for will be known post his procedure."
The Houghton-based outfit still have six league matches to play in the month of May as their attempt to cement their bid for second place on the DStv Premiership standings.
Bucs may have to do it without Lebitso, who has been a crucial figure since signing from Chippa United.
?? FT || @RAMFC_sa 0 - 4 @orlandopirates
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) April 28, 2024
?? 29' (P) Maswanganyi
?? 56' Mbatha
?? 74' Mofokeng
?? 82' Dlamini
?? Man of the Match & Goalscorer | Patrick Maswanganyi
?????#Matchday #DStvPrem #OrlandoPirates #OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/QrohQXkaTT
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Pirates will also have a Nedbank Cup final to play on 1 June should they overcome Chippa United in the semi-final.
Although each case is different, collarbone injuries are typically known to be quite lengthy; Manchester United’s Javier Hernandez missed a month of action when he suffered a fractured collarbone on national team duty in 2015.
Liverpool Kostas Tsimikas returned to action in mid-February 2024 after suffering a collarbone injury in late December 2023.
In terms of options, head coach Jose Riveiro will still enjoy the luxury of having Thabiso Monyane, while Fortune Makaringe also been previously deployed at the right wing-back position.
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