Doctors have confirmed the prognosis for Stormers captain Salmaan Moerat after he underwent toe surgery on Friday.
The Bok lock suffered the injury moments after coming on in the 30-19 defeat to the Sharks at Cape Town Stadium, before being yellow-carded for his team’s repeated infringements.
“It’s turf toe,” said Stormers backline and attack coach Dawie Snyman on Friday. “Feedback from the doctors is that the prognosis is a bit better than initially thought, but it’s still quite a lengthy period. We are probably looking at four months.”
The injury is a setback in what is shaping up to be a massive year for the Springboks, who will face England, Scotland and Wales in Nations Championship matches in July, before a four-Test Greatest Rivalry series against the All Blacks.
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There was, however, better news on the injury front for several long-term absentees, who should be in the mix when the Stormers return from a mid-season break to face the Lions at Ellis Park on 28 February.
“Ruhan Nel should be ready after the break,” Snyman said of the midfield general who is recovering from a troublesome calf injury.
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Veteran Bok flank Deon Fourie, who tore a bicep last October having only just returned from a serious knee injury “is coming on nicely and has started training with the team”.
“[Winger] Seabelo Senatla is quite close [to a return],” Snyman added. “[Loose forward] Dan du Plessis is also quite close and he will start training with the team once we are back.”
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Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
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