William Small-Smith has been ruled out of Friday's crucial Currie Cup match against the Free State Cheetahs in Bloemfontein due to a knee injury.

The midfielder sustained a bone bruise against the Sharks at the weekend and will not be fit to face the Cheetahs, team doctor Org Strauss confirmed.

Utility back Ryan Nell is also out injured with an ankle sprain and will only be available next weekend.

Flank Jacques du Plessis will sit out training on Monday due to a quad contusion, but will train Tuesday, while scrumhalf Lohan Jacobs has been declared fit following a hamstring strain.

The Bulls are currently sixth on the Currie Cup log, four points behind the Cheetahs and Pumas, and have to win their last three matches to stand a chance of reaching the semi-finals.

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