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Johannesburg - Benni McCarthy could be back in contention for team selection next week, Orlando Pirates officials said on Friday.
According to the supersport.com website, the veteran striker, whose goals helped propel the Buccaneers to the league title last season but who has been largely absent in this campaign, is due back from a calf injury.
It is the latest in a myriad of afflictions for the podgy 35-year-old striker.
McCarthy hurt his hamstring making his return for Bafana Bafana against Brazil in September in his first international in more than two years and has not been the same player since.
He played fleetingly for Pirates after a three month lay off but broke down in training in December and again during the mid-season break.
But officials are hopeful he will get the all clear to boost the squad for the upcoming league matches against Bloemfontein Celtic and Kaizer Chiefs. The official Orlando Pirates twitter feed has also confirmed the possibility of McCarthy’s return
“I don’t want to make excuses but we have been hurt by not being able to use him,” coach Roger de Sa said after Tuesday’s loss to Moroka Swallows at the Dobsonville Stadium.
Pirates host Celtic at the Orlando Stadium next Wednesday and then meet Chiefs in the derby at Soccer City next Saturday, March 9.
