With the exception of Bjorn Gugger, Tebogo Monyai and George Hummel, the 'Beautiful Birds' go into this weekend's Absa Premiership match against Thanda Royal Zulu in Potchefstroom's Olen Park Stadium with almost an injury-free squad.

Siphesihle Ngobese has been declared fit to start training, but is not yet match fit.
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The 'Birds' ward round has been narrowed down to:
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1. Bjorn Gugger:
Had lateral menisectomy on his left knee a few years ago. He subsequently suffered damages to the cartilage in that joint. Operation done in January 2007.
Opinion: Out for this weekend.
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2. Tebogo Monyai:
Operations:
- Open reduction and internal fixation of right tibia (leg bone) following a fracture in Jan 2007.
- Chondroplasty (arthroscopy) right knee in April 2007.
- Right groin operation(Gilmores' groin) in April 2007.
He has been training but not fit for this Saturday.

3. George Hummel:
He had a left tibia operation late 2006 following a troublesome stress fracture.
Played the last seven league matches of the 2006/2007 season, and has been training/playing this season without any adverse effects.
Started complaining of persistent left leg pains and a subsequent X-Ray done yesterday revealed a recurrence of the old fracture.
Operation: Revision surgery of left tibia. Fracture defect was bone-grafted.
Date of operation: November 19, 2007.
Opinion: Unfit.

4. Sipesihle Ngobese:
He has been struggling with persistent, niggling pains on his right knee for the past five months or so.
Diagnosis: Patellar tendinopathy, right knee.
Opinion: Has just started training but not fit for this Saturday.
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Till next week, cheers!

Humbulani Ephraim Nematswerani

MBChB, MMedSc (Natal), DTM&H (Wits), FRSTM(UK).
Sports Physician/Travel Medicine Consultant
Moroka Swallows FC