Eben Etzebeth’s return unclear as Sharks provide update on ‘very serious’ injury while Ox Nche is treated ‘conservatively.
The Sharks have not put a timeline on Eben Etzebeth’s potential return to action after the Springboks lock suffered a return of symptoms of his recent concussion.
Etzebeth last featured for the Sharks in the Investec Champions Cup victory over Exeter Chiefs in December but suffered a concussion in the match which has kept him on the sidelines.
The Durbanites are contending with a huge injury crisis with 16 players currently unavailable to head coach John Plumtree, four of which being Springboks, while Makazole Mapimpi’s suspension has added to their woes.
Eben Etzebeth injury news
Despite crucial United Rugby Championship derbies coming up against the Bulls and Lions, the Sharks have stated that Etzebeth will not be rushed back and will only return once concussion specialists are ‘fully satisfied’ that he is read.
In an injury update published on the club’s official website, it states that Etzebeth has “suffered a return-of-symptoms of his recent concussion.
Adding: “The Sharks take this injury very seriously and player welfare remains our top priority. Eben is being managed by concussion specialists. He will be cleared to return once they are fully satisfied that his injury has completely resolved.”
This is not the first time that the most capped Springbok of all-time has struggled with concussions as he was stood down from rugby for a three-month period after sustaining his third concussion in a year while playing for South Africa and Toulon.
The latest update will concern Rassie Erasmus as it would certainly not be the first time that a player has sadly been forced into retirement through concussions. However, the Sharks’ approach will give him hope.
Further setbacks
Included in the Sharks’ 16-man injury list are fellow Springboks Andre Esterhuizen, Ox Nche and Aphelele Fassi who all featured for Erasmus in 2024.
Esterhuizen has undergone surgery on his knee with the Sharks noting that it is ‘healing well’ as is Fassi’s ankle having also gone under the knife.
Nche is being treated ‘conservatively’ following a tear of his upper arm muscle and is in rehab.
Emile van Heerden (knee), Emmanuel Tshituka (dislocated big toe), Fez Mbatha (lower limb stress fracture), James Venter (tear of chest wall muscle), and Gerbrandt Grobler (foot) are also sidelined.
“The Sharks’ medical team is focused on player recovery during the break, prioritising welfare and gradual reintegration,” the website added.
