Fernando Da Cruz faces Kaizer Chiefs squad depth test against Siwelele FC

Amakhosi have made an unbeaten start to the league campaign, collecting eight points from four matches, but Da Cruz has been dealt another blow with several players still recovering from injuries.

Defender Thabiso Monyane and forward Langelihle Phili are both set for extended spells on the sidelines and will not return before the upcoming FIFA international break.

Da Cruz revealed that Monyane is expected to be out for four weeks, while Phili faces an eight-week absence.

"(Thabiso) Monyane will not be available before the FIFA window because he's injured for four weeks; Phili is the same thing; he's injured for eight weeks," Da Cruz told the media through an interpreter on Wednesday.

There was, however, some encouraging news for the Chiefs coach, with a number of players having returned to training.

Paseka Mako, Bradley Cross, Kabelo Nkgwesa and Reeve Frosler are back with the squad, although Da Cruz admitted they are not yet at full physical capacity and will be carefully managed.

"They are not 100% physically. So they are coming back step by step," he said.

Flavio Silva is also nearing a return, with the striker expected to be available within the next one to two weeks.

Da Cruz praised the Chiefs medical team for their efforts in managing the growing injury list, particularly players carrying injuries from last season.

"Our medical staff is doing a very good job, and they are trying to do their best to recover the players as soon as possible," he added.