Arthur Sales returns as Sundowns plan careful comeback during international break

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has revealed he warned Arthur Sales that his return from a shoulder injury would be carefully managed during Saturday’s 2-1 FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup win over Al Ahli Jeddah.

The Brazilian forward made his first appearance of the 2026/27 season against the Saudi Arabian side after being sidelined by the injury. However, Cardoso said the 24-year-old was not yet ready to cope with 50 minutes at the highest level.

Sales was introduced briefly as Sundowns secured victory over Al Ahli, but his return provides a significant boost for a side managing injuries, new arrivals and a demanding schedule.

“I confess to you I spoke to Arthur and I told him, if I need to put you in the game in the second half and we go for extra-time, don’t be surprised if I take you out again,” Cardoso said.

“Arthur is able to play but not physically in conditions to handle 50 minutes in the highest level.

“So I had that talk with him and he said, ‘Coach, play me for five minutes. I will be on your services for whatever you need’. This is the spirit that will lead us and take us ahead.”

Sales joined Sundowns from Belgian club SK Lommel in a reported €3.2-million transfer and has become an important part of the squad.

He scored 15 goals and provided 18 assists in 85 appearances during his first two seasons with the club, making his return particularly timely as Sundowns prepare for the next phase of their campaign.

The FIFA international break gives Cardoso and his technical team an opportunity to work with players coming back from injury or adjusting to the demands of the club. Alongside Sales, Nuno Santos is among those returning, while new signings Wandile Dube, Thabo Cele and Deano van Rooyen can use the period to improve their match fitness.

Rather than immediately exposing those players to consecutive high-intensity fixtures, Sundowns can increase their workloads gradually before competitive action resumes.

For Sales, the priority will be to build up his playing time after missing the opening stages of the season. Sundowns are due to return to domestic and continental competition once the break ends.

The MTN8 final is on the horizon, while the club also face a CAF Champions League second round qualifier, the CAF Super Cup and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, in addition to their domestic club commitments before the AFCON break.