Update: Eben Etzebeth's return delayed again?

Today at 01:01 AM

Eben Etzebeth has not been able to take part in meaningful matchday action since suffering a head knock towards the end of last year, and it’s reported that his highly-anticipated comeback has been put on hold once again.

The Sharks are set to host Zebre Parma in a round 13 clash at Kings Park this Saturday, and it was hoped that Etzebeth could perhaps be included in the coastal team’s matchday 23.

However, according to IOL, Etzebeth won’t be rushed back this week, although it remains to be seen whether he could finally make his return in next week's battle against league-leaders Leinster.

When will Sharks and Springboks be boosted by return of Eben Etzebeth?

In the latest word from Sharks coach John Plumtree on the matter earlier this month, he admitted that he was still wary to provide a prematurely positive update on Etzebeth, but it does seem that the wait for his comeback is drawing closer.

Meanwhile, during a national media update earlier this month, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus also confirmed that they are confident that Etzebeth will be fully available to feature prominently this season, quelling any concerns that it could be a career-threatening issue that the big lock is contending with.

"He doesn't have any symptoms, he went through all the processes… and, according to what I've heard, he will be one of the players that will be available," Erasmus added.

"He is not yet ready to play but I think he's getting very close to getting ready to play. He just wants that clean sheet of being concussion-free. Then it's back to normal again."

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