Duhan van der Merwe’s frustrating injury run continues, with the South African wing ruled out once again.
Van der Merwe is set to miss Edinburgh’s Investec Champions Cup last-16 clash against Leinster in Dublin.
The powerful finisher has now missed four matches after suffering a recurrence of the ankle injury he picked up on Six Nations duty against Wales, and won’t be ready in time for Sunday’s knockout showdown.
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Edinburgh coach Sean Everitt had initially hoped the 30-year-old might return for the high-stakes clash, but that timeline has now shifted.
“I’m hoping [he will be fit] in the next two weeks,” Everitt said. “He had a flare-up on it – it’s something that happened in the Six Nations – and he’s just doing some extra rehab on that to strengthen the muscles around the ankle.”
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Van der Merwe’s continued absence is another blow for a side already dealing with mounting injuries.
Captain Magnus Bradbury has been ruled out with ankle ligament damage sustained in last week’s defeat to the Stormers in Cape Town.
“Maggie’s got ligament damage,” Everitt confirmed. “He’s seeing a specialist on Thursday but he’s not available this weekend.
“He was able to finish the game so we’re hoping it’s not too serious. But it is a blow because he’s a good leader … So we will miss Maggie this weekend.”
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With Edinburgh under pressure and facing a daunting trip to Dublin, the absence of their X-factor wing only deepens the challenge.
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