Following their narrow 15 / 13 Currie Cup loss to the Steval Pumas in Port Elizabeth at the weekend, the EP Kings have a few more injury concerns.

Centre Tim Whitehead suffered concussion in the game against the Pumas and his availability for this weekend’s home game against the Sharks is in doubt.

He was cleared of symptoms, but will follow a gradual return to play protocol until Thursday. If he comes through that, then he will be cleared to face his former team.

Flyhalf George Whitehead picked up a knee injury and saw a specialist on Monday to determine the severity of the injury.

Flank Jacques Engelbrecht has a left hip pointer injury and is likely to be sidelined for the next 2 weeks, while prop Basil Short has recovered from a foot injury, but a spider bite has kept him sidelined this week.

Skipper Luke Watson, who was late withdrawal due to a “dead leg” before the Pumas game, will rejoin the team in practice this week and his availability will be determined on Thursday.

Utility forward Stephan Willemse is also suffering from a ‘dead leg’ and his availability will also be determined on Thursday.

Players on the long-term injury list include lock David Bulbring (shoulder), flank Aidon Davis (knee), prop Charles Marais (knee), flyhalf Gary van Aswegen (knee), centre / flyhalf Shane Gates (foot) and flyhalf Elgar Watts (thigh).

Saturday’s clash against the Cell C Sharks at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium kicks off at 17:05 SA Time.

Sport24