South African striker Bongokuhle Hlongwane is expected to feature in Major League Soccer at weekend, and be available for Bafana Bafana next month, despite injury suffered last weekend.
Minnesota United coach Adrian Heath said he is hopeful that Hlongwane will play on Sunday against Seattle Sounders after an MRI scan showed "no real damage" after he was forced off last weekend.
Hlongwane was taken off in the first half of Minnesota’s 2-0 win over New York City, prompting concern not only for his club but also for South Africa who play African Cup of Nations warm-up friendlies against Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Heath said Hlongwane has a "little bit of tendinitis, we think" and is sore just below his knee.
Hlongwane is Minnesota’s leading goalscorer this season and expected to featured in the attack for South Africa in the coming months as they prepare for January’s Cup of Nations finals in the Ivory Coast.
He has been an important piece of the attack for Minnesota this season, starting in all 22 MLS matches played while scoring six goals.
Minnesota are looking to climb up the Western Conference standings but will have a tough task against Seattle, who are five points above them.
Both are chasing a place in the end of season playoffs.