KCCA FC have been boosted by the returning Muzamir Mutyaba and Julius Poloto ahead of their CAF Champions League First Round meeting with Saint George on Wednesday, according to head coach Mike Mutebi.
The Ugandan champions eliminated Madagascar's CNaPS Sport in the Preliminary Round, but face a much sterner test in Addis Ababa against a Saint George side who reached the group stage last season.
"This return is very timely because I have had so many players on the sidelines injured," Mutebi told KweséESPN. "We are going to face an experienced team that also enjoys playing at home.
"Having players back is good for us and we hope to get a good result in Addis Ababa."
Mutyaba has not featured for the Uganda Premier League champions since his return from the Africa Nations Championship where he picked an injury, while Poloto has been out for three weeks.
"I want to thank God, my coaches, the club physios and my fellow players that I'm able to kick a ball again," Mutyaba told KCCA's official website. "In football, you have to be on the field to carry any water, and the time I have been out it's been a tough moment.
"That's all gone," he continued. "I am back now and ready to go again."
Poloto was on target last weekend in KCCA FC's 1-0 win over Soana FC in a League game.
Despite the returnees, KCCA will be without influential midfielder Ibrahim Saddam Juma, who faces close to eight weeks on the sidelines.
"It's a bad feeling to be out of the [Saint George] games because of injury," Juma told KweséESPN, "but I believe the players who are fit will play their hearts out."
In Juma's absence, forwards Derrick Nsibambi and Muhammad Shaban will be expected to play key roles against the Ethiopian heavyweights.
Saint George recently lost 4-1 to arch rivals Hawassa City in the Ethiopian Premier League, and could be without Uganda goalkeeper Robert Odongkara who picked up an injury in their defeat.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Charles Lukwago, Jamil Malyamungu
Defenders: Habib Kavuma, Filbert Obenchan, Timothy Awany (Captain), Denis Okot Oola, Mustapha Kizza, Eric Ssenjobe.
Midfielders: Julius Poloto, Muzamir Mutyaba, Allan Okello, Isaac Kirabira, Lawrence Bukenya, Paul Mucuurezi, Solomon Okwalinga,
Forwards: Muhammad Shaban, Patrick Kaddu, Derrick Nsibambi