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The Stormers may be without the services of one of their key players for most – if not all- of the Super Rugby Season.
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If social media reports are to be believed, Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth will spend several months on the sidelines.
There was no confirmation from the Stormers camp, but twitter was abuzz on Friday with suggestions that the second row forward was “probably out for the whole season”.
With Eben out for probably the whole of SR JD Shickerling has a massive opportunity to push for higher honours.
— Khulu Ndlovu (@Nkanyezi5) January 12, 2018
Etzebeth was injured on the Boks’ year-end tour and forced off the field just before half-time in the 22-24 loss to Wales in Cardiff on December 2.
The Bok medical staff confirmed at the time that he would “see a specialist” in Cape Town to further examine his shoulder and back injuries.
@Springboks skipper Eben Etzebeth says the 2017 campaign was 'average' pic.twitter.com/GuTMQcXIRB
— Heinz Schenk (@sportmal) December 4, 2017
“The scans we took on Saturday [December 2] after the match came out normal,” “Bok team doctor Konrad von Hagen said at the time.
“Eben will, however, visit a specialist in Cape Town to further investigate the injured shoulder and his troublesome back.”
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Etzebeth in doubt for Stormers https://t.co/McOTSzYh5x
— AllOutRugby (@AllOutRugby) January 12, 2018
The Stormers returned to training at the beginning of the week, but the team’s Boks rested a week longer.
There is expected to be a medical update from the Stormers camp, when it is hoped there would be clarity on the star Bok’s fitness.
