Mbonambi blow for battered Bulls

Blue Bulls hooker Bongi Mbonambi will miss the match against the Golden Lions on Saturday after injuring a knee in the Currie Cup clash with Western Province.

Mbonambi will be out of action for two weeks after a small ligament tear to the knee, team doctor Org Strauss confirmed.

Prop Mornè Mellett has been declared fit, following a neck spasm and will train on Monday, as will wing Travis Ismaiel.

Grant Hattingh, Francois Venter and Ulrich Beyers will not train on Monday due to minor ailments, but will be fit for selection.

Jean Cook (thumb, two weeks), Callie Visagie (ankle, three weeks) and Courtnall Skosan (quad, four weeks), could all still play in the competition later in the season.

The long term injury list is:

Basil Short (knee, four months), Francois Hougaard (ankle, four months), Cornell Hess (knee, five weeks), Deon Stegmann (shoulder, four months), Arno Botha (knee, three months), Pierre Spies (bicep, three months), Louis Fouchè (knee, three months).

Springbok wing Bjorn Basson has also been released for Currie Cup duty this weekend and will be available for selection against the Golden Lions.