Willem Alberts

The Cell C Sharks have been boosted by the news that Springbok loose forward Willem Alberts has returned to training and will be available for selection this weekend.

Alberts missed the 1st few matches of the Super Rugby season with injury and returned to action in the game against the DHL Stormers on 7 March. He then suffered another injury setback in the game at Newlands which saw him spend more time on the sidelines.

However, according to the Sharks’ official website, Alberts has now recovered sufficiently and will be available to face the Emirates Lions in Johannesburg this weekend.

As already reported, the Sharks also confirmed that flyhalf Patrick Lambie will not be available for the next 6 weeks after sustaining a neck injury against the Crusaders last weekend.

“It’s a huge blow to lose a player of Pat’s calibre,” said Director of Rugby Gary Gold.

“He’s a well-respected member of the team, although Fred Zeilinga provides quality cover and he looked really good when he came on for Pat in the match.”

Lambie has a neck vertebra injury which fortunately does not require any surgery.

Saturday’s clash between the Lions and Sharks at Emirates Airline Park kicks off at 17:05 SA Time.