The Cheetahs will be forced into a third lock combination in as many matches when they resume their EPCR Challenge Cup campaign.
The Free Staters face Ulster on 11 January in Amsterdam, where they host matches in the competition, but will have to replace Juan Venter after the utility forward sustained a shoulder injury, Netwerk24 reports.
Venter partnered Carl Wegner at lock in the second-round defeat to Stade Français, having started the opening match against the Exeter Chiefs on the flank.
Victor Sekekete and Wegner started the opening-round loss to Exeter in England, but Sekekete returned to Bloemfontein after the match to undergo facial surgery.
Curtly Thomas was then drafted into the squad for the clash with Stade Français, where he came off the bench, while Venter shifted into the second row.
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Pierre-Raymond Uys, another forward capable of covering lock, is unavailable after suffering a cracked cheekbone, further limiting head coach Frans Steyn’s options.
One potential boost could come in the form of Pieter Jansen van Vuren. The experienced 34-year-old lock has recovered from a torn hamstring suffered in late July.
There was better news among the backline at training on Monday, with flyhalf Jaco van der Walt and centre Zander du Plessis both returning to the field after hamstring and groin injuries respectively.
The Cheetahs conclude their pool campaign against Racing 92 in Paris on 18 January.
Photo: Danie Van Der Lith/Gallo Images
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