Cheetahs fullback Willie le Roux has been ruled out of action for up to three weeks with an ankle injury.

Le Roux had been carrying the injury since their overseas tour and was rested for the Cheetahs' home game against the Reds in Bloemfontein this past weekend. 

However, after consultation with team doctor Louis Holtzhausen earlier today, it's been confirmed that Le Roux suffered ankle ligament damage and will miss the Cheetahs' derby matches against the Lions and Stormers in coming weeks.

In other injury news, Coenie van Wyk who took Le Roux's spot against the Reds, will be sidelined for six week with an ankle injury, while flank Heinrich Brüssouw is in danger of missing the rest of the competition with a broken arm. 

Photo: Gerhard Steenkamp/Gallo Images