Dlamini has not featured in recent matches, raising questions about his standing in the squad under the French-Moroccan tactician. While he has found game time limited this season, the left-footed midfielder has still managed nine appearances across the four competitions the Buccaneers have contested, contributing two assists.
His lack of regular minutes has also fuelled speculation over a possible exit, particularly during the January transfer window. Reports suggested that Sekhukhune United were monitoring his situation, although no move materialised.
Ouaddou, however, clarified that Dlamini's absence has been injury-related rather than tactical.
"Dlamini is injured at the moment, I don't know if you know about that," Ouaddou explained to the media.
"But it's been three weeks that he has had an injury. But he's coming back because he's in rehabilitation."
The update comes at a challenging moment for Pirates, who recently suffered back-to-back league defeats for the second time this season, going down to Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants.
With pressure mounting, the Buccaneers now turn their attention to a high-stakes league clash against rivals Kaizer Chiefs at the FNB Stadium on Saturday, where a positive result could help steady the ship as Dlamini edges closer to a return.
