The injury bogey has made another visit to the Cheetahs camp in the aftermath of their impressive 36-32 Super 14 victory over the Blues at the weekend, claiming two of their start players.
Fiery loose forward Frans Viljoen and Springbok flyer Jongi Nokwe have both been ruled out of the last two rounds of the competition.
Viljoen, who made his comeback from a facial fracture against the Blues, broke his arm in the victory at the weekend. He underwent surgery at the weekend and will be sidelined for about three months – meaning he will only return during the Currie Cup season.
Nokwe will see a specialist on Monday, after fracturing his jaw.
This is the latest in a series of injuries that have ravaged the Cheetahs this year.
Top of that list is Springboks Adriaan Strauss (shoulder surgery) and Heinrich Brüssow (knee surgery), who are both unlikely to feature again for the Cheetahs this year.
Viljoen (who fractured his cheekbone in the early part of the season), lock David de Villiers (shoulder) and wing Lionel Mapoe (shoulder) also had serious injuries, while the Cheetahs missed captain Juan Smith for most of their Australasian tour – following the death of his father.
Ashley Johnson, who gained his Springbok colours in November, is also still recovering from a rib injury.
Add to that a five-week suspension for loose forward Kabamba Floors – he is out till May 15 – and the picture looks bleak indeed.
The Cheetahs play the Western Force this week in Bloemfontein and the Lions in Kimberley a week later – looking to finish their season with three wins on the trot.