Mamelodi Sundowns receive double injury boost as Artur Sales and Tsiki Ntsabeleng return to training

Mamelodi Sundowns have been handed a significant injury boost, with Artur Sales and Tsiki Ntsabeleng back in full training and expected to rejoin the squad soon.

The return of the Brazilian forward and midfielder could provide valuable reinforcements for Sundowns as they manage a demanding schedule across multiple competitions.

However, defender Khuliso Mudau and forward Keanu Cupido remain sidelined with long-term injuries and are not expected to return in the immediate future.

Sundowns club doctor Dr Carl Thabane gave an update on the squad’s fitness situation through the club’s media department. His comments indicated that all four players remain part of the injury report, although Sales and Ntsabeleng have now made significant progress in their recoveries.

“It’s still the same as the last game. We still have Keanu [Cupido] out, Khuliso [Mudau] out. We still have Tsiki [Ntsabeleng] also out, and obviously, you know, Artur [Sales] also out. So those are the four injuries that we still have.”

Thabane then clarified the different stages reached by the players, confirming that Sales and Ntsabeleng had resumed full training and were nearing a return to the squad.

“Well, our long-term injuries obviously is Khuliso, you know, obviously with the nasty injury that he had, but then also followed by Keanu. But Artur Sales has started fully training and also Tsiki has actually started fully training. So those two, we’re looking at them, you know, they should be joining us quite soon.”

Mudau’s absence remains a particular concern because of the severity of the injury suffered by the defender, which Thabane described as “nasty”. Cupido is also classed among Sundowns’ long-term absentees.

By contrast, Sales and Ntsabeleng have moved into the final stages of their recoveries. Their return to full training should give manager’s squad greater depth, although neither player has yet been confirmed as available for competitive action.

The updates come as Sundowns continue to balance their commitments across several competitions. The return of the two players is therefore a welcome development, while the continued absence of Mudau and Cupido leaves the club without two options for the foreseeable future.

For now, Sundowns will monitor Sales and Ntsabeleng before bringing them back into matchday involvement. Mudau and Cupido remain unavailable as they continue their longer-term rehabilitation.