Injury setbacks for two Bulls

The Bulls suffered a 14-31 loss to the Sharks in Polokwane – in one of two pre-season fixtures at the weekend – and also lost 22-66 to the Lions in Johannesburg.

Lock Aston Fortuin sustained an injury to his AC joint in the Polokwane outing.

The Bulls are still awaiting the results of his scan, but it is most likely that he will be out for between four to six weeks.

The other unfortunate news, albeit not form one of the matches, is that wing Jamba Ulengo is not recovering as quickly as expected from his patellar tendinosis injury.

He will see a specialist to determine his rehabilitation progress, but again the prospect of a speedy return is slim.

There are other minor bumps and bruises from the weekend's games, including prop Lizo Gqoboka – who took a hit to the collarbone.

Wing Travis Ismaiel is also recovering from a neck spasm.

Both players are expected to return to training on Tuesday.

Rudy Paige, Hendrè Stassen and Corniel Els are recovering well and are expected to be cleared by the middle of February.

Ruan Steenkamp, Ivan van Zyl and Jannes Kirsten are expected to be fit in two to four weeks time.