Bulls provide extensive update on injured stars

MEDICAL REPORT: The Bulls have provided an extensive update on several of their injured stars.

The medical report comes just days ahead of their Preparation Series trip to Durban, for a showdown with the Sharks - a rematch of the Currie Cup Final in January.

The list of injured stars include several Springboks - including captain Duane Vermeulen, scrumhalf Ivan van Zyl and utility back Gio Aplon, along with BlitzBok Stedman Gans.

Vermeulen required surgery to his knee after the Currie Cup season and the veteran Bok loose forward is expected to start running in two weeks.

He is currently recuperating with his family in Cape Town.

Van Zyl picked up a niggle in his knee, which required surgery.

The scrumhalf is expected to return by the middle of April.

Aplon is undergoing rehabilitation for his torn anterior cruciate ligament (knee), which occurred during last year's Super Rugby Unlocked season.

He is expected to be back in June.

Gans tore the syndesmosis in his ankle against the Stormers last weekend and will be sidelined for 10 weeks.

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Another significant injury is lock Walt Steenkamp, who picked up a problem with his heart that required a procedure.

Following a repeat procedure he is doing well and a follow up with the cardiologist is set for the middle of April, where a decision will be made on his integration back into training.

Prop Simphiwe Matanzima tore his Achilles tendon last year, which sidelined him for nine months.

He has successfully completed eight months of rehabilitation and will start with unit training as of next week.

He is expected to make a full recovery by the middle of April.

Utility forward Sintu Manjezi tore his anterior cruciate ligament in the Currie Cup Final against the Sharks.

He underwent successful surgery and will be sidelined for another five to six months.

Wing Stravino Jacobs fractured his finger against the Pumas several weeks ago and will be sidelined for six weeks.

Loose forwards Elrigh Louw and Muller Uys both underwent surgery to their AC joints.

Both are making good progress - with Louw to start unit training next week and Uys expected to be back by the middle of April.

Springbok loose forward Arno Botha picked up a mild calf niggle three weeks ago, but has made good progress and will return to training next Monday.