NOW that they will not be playing any further part in the Telkom Knockout, SuperSport United have only the African Champions League to concentrate on.

NOW that they will not be playing any further part in the Telkom Knockout, SuperSport United have only the African Champions League to concentrate on.

But Gavin Hunt's injury-hit team's troubles just got a whole lot worse ahead of Sunday's Champions League return leg against Mozambique's Ferroviario at Da Machava Stadium.

Midfielders Brent Carelse and Thandani Ntshumayelo picked up injuries in United's 4-1 penalty shootout loss to AmaZulu at Super Stadium on Saturday, joining players such as Glen Salmon, Morgan Gould and Ricardo Katza in the sick bay.

The situation is trying for Hunt, who will have to do without most of these players for the remainder of the season.

"The situation is just getting worse, but what can we do? We have to just keep going but none of the injured players will be fit for the Champions League or the Nedbank Cup in all likelihood," Hunt said.

Yet the coach can take heart from the result of the first leg against Ferroviario.

Two weeks ago, Matsatsantsa a Pitori were 3-0 victors at Rand Stadium, an advantage that they will have to guard with determination.

And United has always prided itself on being about the collective, not individuals.

With the team looking somewhat lean at the moment, the recovery of former Bloemfontein Celtic marksman Petrus Mahlatsi will make all the difference.

Partnered by Tebogo Langerman and Mozambican Darion Monteiro up front, United should be able to pass the weekend's test with relative ease.

With Bafana Bafana wrapping up their overseas tour, Bongani Khumalo and Daine Klate should be back to bolster the troops.