The Lions have been dealt a hammer blow by the news that star flank Vincent Tshituka is set to be out for two months with a shoulder injury.

Tshituka missed the Vodacom United Rugby championship match against the Sharks in Johannesburg last week when the Lions went down 47-37.

Lions assistant coach Albert van den Berg revealed on Tuesday that the 23-year-old will miss the derby against the Vodacom Bulls on Saturday.

“He’s been with us daily, doing some work off the field. I don’t think he’ll be back in at least the next six weeks,” Van den Berg said.

“It’s really a case of strengthening that shoulder of his. It’s going to take some time. The last thing we want is to bring him back [too soon] and have another setback. It’s now about focusing on rehab so that he can stay on the field.”

Tshituka’s absence will be a hammer blow for the Lions. Not only has he been one of the team’s best players this season, but he is also the only blindside flank in the Lions squad.

Ruhan Straeuli started against the Sharks, but it remains to be seen whether he will be given an extended run in the position.

“He’s a great blindside flanker, a good fit for the position for us,” he said.

“We don’t quite have the depth for a like-for-like replacement for him as we have a mixture of guys who are generally switched more between No 6 and 8. So, Vince is our one out-and-out No 7.

“Ruhan has come in and was relatively secure under the ball, even if he dropped one kick-off. He’s working on that,” said Van den Berg.

“But overall, it’s an opportunity for us to see who can put up their hands and make a difference. We’re definitely missing Vince.”

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