The Vodacom Bulls have received a welcome boost with Marco van Staden having been cleared to return to training after recovering from a concussion.
The flank has been sidelined since pre-season after sustaining a concussion in a warm-up match against UP-Tuks last month.
The Pretoria-based side have endured a tough start to the season, after successive losses against the Sharks and Stormers, with injuries also having hindered coach Pote Human’s squad.
Team doctor Herman Rossouw did, however, provide a positive update in his weekly fitness report on Monday.
‘The good news is that Marco van Staden recovered completely from his concussion and he will be available for selection as of next week,’ said Rossouw.
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The Bulls have a bye this weekend, after two bruising local derbies, with their next outing a home fixture against the Blues on 22 February.
Rossouw added that there was some negative news following the 13-0 defeat by the Stormers, with veteran lock Juandre Kruger and young hooker Johan Grobbelaar both suffering injuries.
‘Juandre Kruger left the field with for a head injury assessment, which confirmed a concussion, so he’ll be on the sideline for this week,’ said Rossouw. ‘He’s expected to be back in training by next week.
‘Following the post-match medicals, Johan had a lot of discomfort in his ankle. Initially it wasn’t thought to be too bad but scans will be done to determine the extent of the damage. Depending on the outcome of the scans, he can be on the sideline for at least six weeks.’
Meanwhile, centre Dylan Sage will be out of action for three-four months after undergoing surgery for an ankle fracture this week.
Props Simphiwe Matanzima and Louis van der Westhuizen are both expected to be out for at least two weeks, while loose forward Tim Agaba will be back in training later this week for selective sessions, but will not be able to take contact.
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Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images
