'Very serious': The latest on injured Bok star
INJURY UPDATE: After months of downplaying Eben Etzebeth’s injury, the Sharks have finally given a true account of the Springbok’s state.
The double World Cup winner Etzebeth is one of 16 players currently unavailable for the Sharks.
The record-breaking Bok has not been in action for months. He missed the early rounds of the European season and looks set to miss the rest of the United Rugby Championship season as well.
The lock has had back problems and a shoulder injury; however, the after-effects of concussion are the team’s biggest concern.
The Sharks revealed that the Springbok is being managed by a concussion specialist and will remain out of action for an indefinite period.
“[Etzebeth] suffered a return-of-symptoms of his recent concussion,” the Sharks latest injury reports stated on Wednesday.
“The Sharks take this injury very seriously and player welfare remains our top priority.
“Eben is being managed by concussion specialists.
“He will be cleared to return once they are fully satisfied that his injury has completely resolved.”
In other injury news, the Durban franchise revealed that Andre Esterhuizen (knee), Aphelele Fassi (ankle), Emile van Heerden (knee) and Gebrandt Grobberlaar (foot) are all recovering well after their respective surgeries.
Springbok duo Esterhuizen and Fassi suffered their setbacks at the end of last year during a URC match against Stormers at Cape Town Stadium.
Springbok Ox Nche, who tore his upper arm muscle, is being treated conservatively and is recovering.
The others who are also in recovery are Emmanuel Tshituka, who dislocated his big toe; Fex Mbatha, who has a lower limb stress fracture; and James Venter, who tore his chest wall muscle.
The team are fourth on the log and head coach John Plumtree will hope to have key players return over the next few weeks as they approach the business end of the tournament.
The Sharks’ next match is against the Bulls on February 15.
