South Africa coach Pitso Mosimane has expressed huge concern over Steven Pienaar’s injury, which could mean he will miss the clash with Egypt next Saturday.

The Tottenham midfielder suffered a groin injury which kept him on the sidelines during last Saturday’s game against West Ham.

“Pienaar arrived on Sunday with a two-week history of a mild bilateral groin pain, meaning pain on both sides of the groin, left and right,” Bafana Bafana’s doctor Ephraim Nematswerani told Kickoff.com.

“It is a concern, because he is an important member of the team... We need his contribution and leadership as captain.” Mosimane said.

The 29-year-old midfielder, who joined Tottenham last January from Everton, gave an impressive performance this season in the Premier League and has been a key figure for both teams.

“We need his experience of playing in the Confederations Cup, the World Cup and more recently in the UEFA Champions League, playing away at San Siro against AC Milan,” Mosimane added.

However, the team’s doctor hasn’t yet decided the player's fate.

“When all players arrive they are assessed and a decision will be made whether they stay in camp, and if they are not fit to stay in camp, they are ruled out.” Nematswerani said.

“In this case, we made an assessment and the player is staying on in camp, because we are satisfied that his injury is mild, and he will start training on Wednesday.” 

Pienaar revealed that he sustained this injury a month ago and has seen no improvement, which could mean he will have to undergo surgery.

“I picked it up a month ago. The more I train the worse it gets, but I rest it and I’m able to carry on,” Pianaar was quoted as saying on Kickoff.com

“Let’s hope not,” he added when quizzed over the possibility of having an operation.

South Africa will host Egypt next Saturday in an African Cup of Nations qualifier.