Sharks confirm conservative treatment of worrying Etzebeth injury
Today at 09:51 AM
Injury woes have haunted the Sharks in recent times, and the presence of influential lock Eben Etzebeth has been sorely missed as some of the team’s form has fluctuated up and down.
It’s been confirmed that Etzebeth has been troubled by the after-effects of concussion, and it’s clear that the coastal side still don’t want to take any risks just yet.
In an update provided on Wednesday, it appears that he will remain out of action for an indefinite period.
“(Etzebeth) suffered a return-of-symptoms of his recent concussion,” a statement read. “The Sharks take this injury very seriously and player welfare remains our top priority. Eben is being managed by concussion specialists. He will be cleared to return once they are fully satisfied that his injury has completely resolved.”
The Sharks have been using the United Rugby Championship break to assess and hopefully see a significant injury list begin to ease, with 16 players currently sidelined.
According to the update, the Sharks’ medical team is “focused on player recovery during the break, prioritising welfare and gradual reintegration”.
Head coach John Plumtree will hope to have key players return over the next few weeks, which would be a welcome boost as the business end of the tournament approaches.
Here is a comprehensive update on key players ahead of their next match against the Bulls on 15 February.
Ahead of their next match against the Vodacom Bulls on 15th February, the Hollywoodbets Sharks have provided an update on the status of injured players.
Etzebeth is a chief concern among the injured Sharks players
| Name of Player | Injury and Status |
| Andre Esterhuizen | Underwent surgery on his knee. Recovery in progress and the knee is healing well. |
| Aphelele Fassi | Underwent surgery on his ankle. Recovery in progress and the ankle is healing well. |
| Eben Etzebeth | Suffered a return-of-symptoms of his recent concussion. The Sharks take this injury very seriously and player welfare remains our top priority. Eben is being managed by concussion specialists. He will be cleared to return once they are fully satisfied that his injury has completely resolved. |
| Emile van Heerden | Underwent surgery on his knee. Recovery in progress and the knee is healing well. |
| Emmanuel Tshituka | Dislocated big toe. Being managed conservatively and recovery in progress. |
| Fez Mbatha | Lower limb stress fracture. Being treated conservatively and recovery in progress. |
| Gerbrandt Grobler | Underwent surgery on his foot. Recovery in progress and the foot is healing well. |
| James Venter | Tear of chest wall muscle. Being treated conservatively and recovery in progress. |
| Ox Nche | Tear of upper arm muscle. Being treated conservatively and recovery in progress. |
Meanwhile, in a recent appearance on the Times' Ruck Rugby podcast, Eben Etzebeth explained what continues to motivate him at this stage of his career as he looks to achieve big things with the Sharks and Springboks.
"The Springboks mean a lot to me and so it does for so many other players," he said.
"Every year you want to be on top of your game to be in that squad and force your way into the starting XV. So that's always been my biggest motivation to be part of the team and to be selected and not let a young guy come through to take your position.
"Obviously, Rugby World Cup 2027 is at the back of everyone's mind but going into 2025 at club level, I don't think I've been that successful at club level and won too many trophies so I'd love to be more successful with the Sharks, whether that's in Europe or the URC.
"That's the motivation but also personally, to stay on top of my game for as long as possible and not get thrown out of the system because you are not good enough anymore but rather just keep on performing and being part of the plans."
What have been your highlights from his career?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
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