Lambie out for three months

The Sharks team doctor, Alan Kourie, confirmed on Tuesday that Lambie, who injured his shoulder in the match against Toulon 10 days ago, has been diagnosed with an AC joint dislocation of the right shoulder.

Lambie underwent surgery on Monday and will be sidelined for 12 weeks.

The Sharks open their campaign against the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth on February 27 and Lambie will not be available till mid-May - when the Sharks are due to travel to Argentina to meet Super Rugby newcomers the Jaguares.

Lambie is not the only long-term casualty from the Sharks' victorious two-match pre-season tour.

Loose forward Francois Kleinhans, who suffered a torn bicep muscle (left arm) on tour, underwent surgery last Friday and will also be sidelined for three months.

The third big loss from the trip to France is lock Ruan Botha, who underwent surgery on Monday for hip labral tear, and will also only return in mid-May.

Lubabalo Mtyanda, the lanky lock who suffered a nasal bone fracture on tour, will only be sidelined for three weeks.

Two star imports, loose forwards Jacques Potgieter and Renaldo Botha (the latter back after being on loan last year), are struggling with injuries.

Neither went on tour.

Potgieter is struggling with an ankle injury that requires a scope and he is expected to be sidelined for approximately six to eight weeks.

Bothma is struggling with a suspected foot injury and will undergo scans. There is no timeframe on his return.

The good news is that Inny-Christian Radebe, Jean Deysel, Thomas du Toit, Lubabalo Mtembu and Stephan Lewies are recovering well and will resume training this week.