The 29-year-old suffered an injury on international duty representing Bafana Bafana with the Buccaneers now revealing that Pule faces a period of up to 12 weeks out injured.
"The Orlando Pirates medical department has provided an update on Vincent Pule's situation after the 29-year-old suffered an injury while on national duty last week," a statement read.
"Pule who was listed in the starting line-up for the FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Ethiopia injured himself during the pre-match warm-up and was subsequently dropped.
"The Bucs medical department has revealed that Pule has suffered a grade three tear of the quad and could be ruled out of action to up to 12 weeks."
The Buccaneers battled to a 0-0 away draw against Congolese side Diables Noirs in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round tie on Friday.