Sharks Bok in injury blow

The Sharks are sweating over the fitness of Springbok hooker Bismarck du Plessis ahead of their Super Rugby crunch match with the Cheetahs in Durban on Saturday.

The Sharks require a bonus-point win to keep their play-off hopes alive.

Sharks coach John Plumtree confirmed on Tuesday that the Bok stalwart has undergone a scope, as a result of a cartilage injury.

"The knee swelled up after the match," he said of Du Plessis' injury, following the 32-10 win over the Bulls last week.

"Although he could start this weekend, he'll probably play off the bench," Plumtree said in reference to the Bok hooker.

The good news for the Sharks is that three other key players are likely to return.

Springboks Willem Alberts and Pat Lambie, as well as lock Steven Sykes all returned to training.

Plumtree was confident that all three would be available, although they still have to get through a couple of training sessions.

"Jacques Botes is also possibly available, which will be good news," the coach said.

"[Sevens Bok and SA Under-20 star] Paul Jordaan hasn't taken any part in training, he is still a concern for us.

"Pieter-Steph du Toit won't train, but he might be available."

French star Fred Michalak, who left the field against the Bulls, suffered a stinger (knock to the shoulder), but should be cleared to play.