Bloemfontein – The Cheetahs’ Super 14 defeat against the Stormers just got worse – with star players Lionel Mapoe and Frans Viljoen both crocked at Newlands.

Winger Mapoe won’t play for the Cheetahs in the Super 14 again this year after injuring his shoulder. He will be out of action for about four months.

No 8 Viljoen sustained a fractured cheekbone and is expected to be out for six weeks.

The latest double blow for the Bloemfontein-based side come in addition to the injuries sustained by Springbok flanker Heinrich Brüssow and lock David de Villiers.

It is a major setback before Friday’s game against the Reds and the looming tour of Australia and New Zealand.

Flanker Hendro Scholtz also injured his ankle against the Stormers and may miss the Reds clash.

Cheetahs team doctor Ian Morris said that Mapoe went for a scan on Sunday.

“The cartilage in Lionel’s right shoulder has been torn and he will be out of action for about four months,” he said.

Cheetahs supporters will now hope that they have not seen the last of Mapoe. His legal representatives and the Free State Rugby Union are currently talking about the validity of his contract and the outcome is expected this week.

Sport24 reported last week that the Blue Bulls want to contract him.

Morris said that Viljoen had broken his right cheekbone. He will consult a specialist on Monday, but is expected to be out for six weeks. That means that he will only be considered for the last two games against the Western Force and Lions.

The injuries to Brüssow and Viljoen should bring Ashley Johnson back into the picture. He played for Free State’s Vodacom Cup side on Friday.

Jóhann Thormählen