The Sharks have reportedly accepted that Eben Etzebeth and Jaden Hendrikse will not be available for the Champions Cup quarter-final against Toulouse on Saturday.
Hendrikse went off with his arm in a sling after scoring a try in the first half of the Champions Cup last-16 win over Munster in Durban.
The scrumhalf was followed into the medical room by Etzebeth, who was substituted at half-time as the Sharks went on to claim an impressive 50-35 victory.
After the game, Sharks director of rugby Neil Powell said the Springbok duo would undergo scans on their respective injuries.
However, according to a report by SuperSport, the Sharks have now accepted that their talismanic lock will miss Saturday’s match against a Toulouse side stacked with France internationals.
As an added blow, Etzebeth’s replacement against Munster, Emile van Heerden, also suffered an injury in the game, believed to be a dislocated shoulder, that will keep him out from travelling to Toulouse.
This will force the Sharks to call in one of the Currie Cup second rowers – Reniel Hugo or Hyron Andrews – or shift Vincent Tshituka from flank to lock.
As for Hendrikse, his place in the starting lineup would likely be taken by Grant Williams, with one of Cameron Wright or Bradley Davids called up from the Currie Cup.
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