Toulon could be without a key player for Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup last-16 showdown against the Stormers at the Stade Mayol.

Former Stormers lock Dave Ribbans, now a key figure in Toulon’s pack, is battling back and thigh niggles and remains uncertain for Saturday’s clash. While he has returned to light training and managed high-intensity sprints, his availability is still up in the air.

That uncertainty comes at a tough time for Toulon, who are already stretched in the engine room.

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Fellow lock Brian Alainu’uese was absent from training for unknown reasons, while Matthias Halagahu was forced to cut his session short after recently returning from a lengthy lay-off.

The French giants are also dealing with a growing injury list in the loose forwards, with Lewis Ludlam ruled out with a dislocated shoulder and Esteban Abadie unlikely to feature due to a calf injury.

Despite those setbacks, Toulon have been handed a slight lift with hooker Teddy Baubigny back in contention after recovering from concussion. Out wide, Gaël Dréan impressed in training after being rested. However, another Six Nations winner was absent.

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Baptiste Serin, who picked up a right shoulder injury against Stade Français, did not take part in training. His involvement in this crucial clash now looks highly unlikely.

While the Stormers have admitted to not playing their best rugby at the moment, they come off three strong wins in the Vodacom URC over the Bulls, Dragons and Edinburgh.

SUPERBRU: Investec Champions Cup predictor

Photo: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images

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