ORLANDO Pirates are crossing their fingers for winger Sifiso Myeni to heal in time for their African Champions League first-leg semifinal match against Tunisian giants Esperance at Orlando Stadium on Saturday night.

Pirates' administration executive Floyd "Jomo" Mbele confirmed that Myeni - who is suffering from a mild groin strain - was sent to a specialist late yesterday for a thorough assessment.

The influential Myeni was withdrawn from the starting line-up just before the kick-off of the MTN8 match against Platinum Stars in Durban at the weekend.

"Sifiso had a discomfort on the side of his groin, which is why he was pulled out of the team just before the final. He is undergoing a rehabilitation process. He will be assessed later in the week to see if he will be available for Saturday's game or not," said Mbele.

Left-back Patrick Phungwayo, who was injured against Stars and had to be replaced by Thabo Matlaba, has been ruled out for the match after he sustained an ankle injury where he tore his Achilles tendon.

"He underwent surgery on Monday. Patrick is going to be out for at least 12 weeks depending on the recovery rate," said Mbele.

Good news for The Ghost is that star midfielder Thandani Ntshumayelo will also be available for selection after recovering from an ankle injury sustained against SuperSport United in Mbombela five weeks ago.

The return of Ntshumayelo will make competition in the midfield even more exciting, with Lehlogonolo Masalesa also doing well after grabbing the opportunity to play with both hands.