Chiefs have had a spate of misfortune in as far as injuries are concerned, having lost the likes of Itumeleng Khune and Lebogang Manyama in quick succession within the space of a few weeks.
Khune and Manyama have both been ruled out for the remainder of the season after undergoing shoulder and knee surgery respectively, and naturally will be out for Saturday’s clash.
Meanwhile, Middendorp confirmed that defender Erick Mathoho is still not fully recovered from an ankle injury picked up in December and, should he have been available, would definitely have been in the line-up, despite concerns over his form over the last year or so.
“’Tower’ [Mathoho], I think, I don’t have to mention – if he had been fit or in a normal physical state, he would be in the first XI, no doubt about his importance,” said Middendorp.
However, the German has welcomed the return of Bafana Bafana full-back Ramahlwe Mphahlele as well as midfielder Philani Zulu from knee and facial fracture respectively, though he refused to state whether they may start or not.
“Guys like Rama, Philani Zulu are back in the process of training, and they got some games now in the Diski team and a little more specific training attention,” added Middendorp.
“Both will probably be in the squad but, whether they start, please understand that I’m not offering this here in this room today.”
The match at the FNB Stadium on Saturday is scheduled to kick off at 15h30.