Sharks lock Eben Etzebeth remains the biggest concern as he suffered a return of symptoms after a recent concussion that is still keeping him off the field. Photo: BackpagePix
There is no return-to-play date yet for veteran lock Eben Etzebeth as his worrying concussion symptoms still do not want to go away.
The Durban franchise released an injury update on Wednesday, with Etzebeth and fellow Boks André Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi and Ox Nche still on the sidelines with five other squad players.
In total, the Sharks currently have 16 players with injuries.
🚨 INJURY UPDATE 🚨
— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) February 5, 2025
Read full article on https://t.co/7rrlV9eVNG pic.twitter.com/Hr2SwMS8f5
Fassi and Esterhuizen underwent successful surgery on their ankle and knee injuries respectively, and both are in recovery.
The duo is set for an extended period on the sidelines.
Nche tore a muscle in his upper arm and is being treated conservatively, but he is on the mend.
Etzebeth remains the biggest concern as he suffered a return of symptoms after a recent concussion that is still keeping him off the field.
“The Sharks take this injury very seriously, and player welfare remains our top priority,” the injury update read.
“Eben is being managed by concussion specialists. He will be cleared to return once they are fully satisfied that his injury has been completely resolved.”
The Bok centurion has had his fair share of concussions over his illustrious career, so it’s understandable that he is treated extra cautiously.
In 2021, while still playing for Toulon, he was stood down for three months after a concussion in November against England.
Eben Etzebeth must take off as long as is needed. Health and family is first. He has a young family.
— Rágnár Ván Töndérsön (@Slipcatch) February 5, 2025
Locks Emile van Heerden (knee surgery) and Gerbrandt Grobler (foot surgery), hooker Fez Mbatha (lower limb stress fracture), and loose forwards James Venter (chest muscle injury) and Vincent Tshituka (dislocated big toe) are all in recovery from their various injuries.
Despite some of their best players being missing, the Sharks have fought through some tough matches, and currently occupy the fourth spot on the United Rugby Championship log.
They had two weekends off in which some of their injured could get more time to recover ahead of next weekend’s local derby against the Bulls in Pretoria.
Head coach John Plumtree is hopeful that some key players could return over the next couple of weeks to boost the side as they head into the business end of the URC and Challenge Cup.
They will set their sights on defending their European title, while challenging for higher honours in the URC.
Related Topics: