The full extent of Lions' injury concerns revealed

INJURY UPDATE: The Lions have confirmed that Henco van Wyk will miss this Friday’s United Rugby Championship match against the Sharks.

Van Wyk, a powerful and dynamic midfielder, suffered an elbow injury in the Challenge Cup Round two match against Stade Francais at Ellis Park last weekend.

Speaking to reporters, Lions assistant coach Albert van den Berg confirmed the centre has undergone scans.

The coach said the Johannesburg side is hopeful he will return for the URC match against the Stormers.

“We did some scans on him [Van Wyk],” Van Den Berg said, adding: “He had done very well and it is not as long as we thought it is going to be.

“He could have played this Friday against Sharks if we strapped it up, but there is a little swelling, so it is not worth the risk.

“We are looking at bringing him next week.”

On the other injury front, the Lions revealed that the influential Ruan Dreyer and Francke Horn will remain on the sidelines for a number of weeks.

The Springbok Dreyer sustained a hamstring injury during the Lions’ Challenge Cup draw againt the Dragons in Round one at Ellis Park two weeks ago.

The prop, who has been immense for the Gauteng outfit, will be out of action for eight to 12 weeks.

Meanwhile, Horn will be sidelined for eight weeks.

The No.8 underwent surgery earlier this month after sustaining an ankle injury during the URC clash against the Dragons.

Both players are set to miss the Lions tour.

#SPOTLIGHT: A look at the @ChampionsCup‘s impact on @URCOfficialhttps://t.co/LYdukm2oWM

— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) December 19, 2022