Coach Gavin Hunt has seen his problems go from bad to worse in recent times as long-term injury victims Daniel Matsau, Ivan Winstanley and Shaun Permnall have been joined on the side-lines by a host of their team-mates, either through injury or suspension.

Good news for the team is that a number of players on the injury and suspension list are expected to return to action in the next fortnight or so.

Swallows' latest casualty came on Saturday afternoon when defender Peter Petersen twisted his ankle while playing for Bafana Bafana against Zambia in the Cosafa Cup.

Fortunately for the team, Petersen is expected to be fit again within the next seven days, although he is unlikely to be ready for Sunday's SAA Super 8 game against SuperSport United.

Swallows team doctor Ephrahim Nematswerani pointed out that the club is using the latest technology, such as MRI scans (which are used by overseas clubs, but very rarely by South African teams due to the costs involved) to ensure that the players receive the best possible treatment.

The breakdown on the Birds' other injury concerns is as follows:

Short-term injuries/expected back soon

Alfred Phiri: The former Bafana Bafana midfielder picked up an ankle injury in the game against Silver Stars. He has ben rested by team doctor for the last three days and was expected back in training today (Monday).

Simba Marumo: Marumo picked up an ankle sprain in training on Friday. He will be out for the next seven days. Simba is also currently serving a two match suspension after having been red carded against Silver Stars.

Goodman Mazibuko: The Birds skipper has been struggling to shrug off a groin injury he picked up late last season, He has undergone more tests which have confirmed there is no tear to the groin and he is expected back in training later this week.

Shaun Permall: Permall has had to overcome a series of knee injuries and is expected back in training by the end of the month.

Edzai Kasinauyo: The Zimbabwean recently underwent a successful operation and will return to action in the beginning of September.

Cecil Oerson: The speedy winger is back at training following a two month lay off for a foot injury.

Long-term injuries

Mark Haskins: The former Cosmos man has suffered a knee cruciate injury, similar to the one which kept Bafana Bafana midfielder Benson Mhlongo side-lined at Wits lasts season. He has been given a number of MRU scans, which confirmed that there is a tear in the ligament. Haskins has been booked to undergo an operation on Wednesday, although Nematswerani is still looking at the possibility of using 'conservative treatment', which entails physiotherapy and medication.

Daniel Matsau: The former Bafana Bafana striker is expected to be out for another six months.

Ivan Winstanley: The former Wits utility player failed to respond positively to an operation he received for an Achilles tendon problem, despite having received top class rehabilitation. He is now set to undergo an operation never before performed in this country which will involve the injection of his own blood into the affected area, which should speed up the healing process,

By Anthony McLennan