Orlando Pirates are sweating on the knee injury suffered by Benson Mhlongo, which could rule him out for the rest of the season.

The midfielder collided with an AmaZulu player in the 14th minute of a 2-1 loss to Usuthu and his presence in the centre of the park was sorely missed in the Soweto derby stalemate.

Ruud Krol must now get accustomed to being without his captain, whose injury has been rendered very serious following a scan on Friday. Bucs spokesman Mickey Modisane revealed to Football365.co.za that Mhlongo has undertaken a number of assessments, which revealed damage to his Patella.

There is also still a great amount of swelling around the knee, which suggests it will take a lengthy period of time to heal. Modisane admits the club are resigned to losing the influential player, but they still have hope that he will recover quicker than expected.

The 28-year-old is set to undergo a final scan by the end of the week to ascertain the exact extent of the damage and the type of surgery required. While Modisane insists the injury is not career-threatening, he added that the club hopes "this does not jeopardise his chances with the national team ahead of the World Cup."

It would be a shame if Mhlongo misses out on the global showpiece, as he has been one of the most consistent midfielders in the PSL.

Football365.co.za