It’s been three months since the 27-year-old held up the Mamelodi Sundowns salute as a new signing from Orlando Pirates on 9 January.
It was soon confirmed that the Bloemhof-born star suffered a thigh/quad strain (muscle injury) – a painful injury caused by overstretching or tearing muscles or tendons, often resulting from sudden, excessive force or repetitive overuse.
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Following Sundowns’ 1-0 win over AmaZulu FC at the Moses Mabhida, Kabo Yellow’s Portuguese coach Cardoso was invited offer an update on Saleng’s fitness situation.
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Cardoso confirmed that Saleng remains injured, but without offering any return date. “There’s no need for those kinds of bad thoughts, let’s say,” the Sundowns mentor told journalists. “So, Saleng is still injured. It’s a situation that is obviously progressing. Let’s see when he can help the team,” he added.
According to the Claveland Clinic, Saleng is likely to have suffered a Grade 3 strain. “Thigh (quadricep) strain recovery depends on severity, ranging from 1–2 weeks for minor strains to 3–12 weeks for moderate injuries,” the clinic said. “And up to 4–6 months for complete tears requiring surgery.
“Healing involves reduced pain, restored range of motion, and full muscle strength before returning to activity,” the note added.
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ARTHUR SALES
Cardoso also took the moment to confirm that Brazilian striker Arthur Sales has joined the treatment room after last weekend’s 2-0 win over MC Alger in the CAF Champions League.
“Also, Arthur [Sales] is still out, what obviously makes you understand clearly that those are positions where we need energy, we need characteristics that the two of them can bring in the team.”
In the meantime, Sundowns are looking ahead to another league game. The holding champions host Sekhukhune United on Sunday, kick off is set for 15:30 at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
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