Velleman blow for hapless Kings

Velleman, who had just returned after recovering from a fractured finger, suffered a knee injury in his team's 18-48 loss to the Highlanders in Port Elizabeth at the weekend.

"CJ [Velleman] took a knock to the upper quad, but his knee is also very swollen," coach Deon Davids said, adding that the loose forward will be going for further scans on Tuesday.

The Kings, second from bottom of the standings with two wins in 13 starts, travel to Johannesburg this week to take on the table-topping Lions at Ellis Park on Friday.

They face the Stormers at Newlands in the final round of league action next Saturday.

The coach, Davids, said that while a number of players had sustained bumps and bruises against the Highlanders, most were available for selection this week.

The only loss appears to be Velleman.

Davids said lock John-Charles Astle has been cleared after his initial concussion test, following the game at the weekend.

However, he was still being evaluated in line with the head injury protocols.

He said the medical team was also still evaluating Jurgen Visser, who had sustained a concussion during the encounter with the Jaguares back in May.

Davids said Lukhanyo Am was not at practice on Monday due to illness, and was being rested, but should be available for selection.