Paulo injured his leg in Bloemfontein on Sunday in the Toyota Challenge victory against the Griffons. The in-form player scored a try during the 45-21 victory, but was carted off the field a short while later and it was initially suspected that there may be a fracture.

The Cheetahs’ coach, Izak van der Westhuizen, told OFM Sport that the prognosis is looking a lot more positive.

“He will definitely be an important player in Europe and his injury is not as bad as we had initially thought, said the former Cheetah and Edinburgh lock.

“It’s only a bone bruise, so obviously he is still in a boot and on crutches. But, it’s not a break, so it’s not going to take as long to recover.

“My hope is that he will be in for a full preseason.”

A positive for the Cheetahs when it comes to their hooker is that the Namibian international Chucky van der Westhuizen is close to making a return following his knee injury.

Vernon Paulo is being tackled by Chadley Wenn of the Griffons. Photo: Morgan Piek

In addition, the exciting outside back Litha Nkula received a two-march suspension for his red card against the Griffons. Apart from the red card, he sustained a concussion. The Cheetahs are hoping to have him available for Europe as well.

The plan was to have Wednesday’s game against Emerging Ireland as the first of his two matches, while the warm-up against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld at the end of November will be the other.

Nkula must, however, still complete World Rugby’s tackle school to have his sanction reduced from three to two games.

Chucky van der Westhuizen. Photo: Morgan Piek

The other players who are still on the injury list include – Cameron Dawson, Chucky van der Westhuizen, Daniel Maartens, Jeandré Rudolph, Raegan Oranje, Ali Mgijima, Banie Britz, Banele Mthenjane, James Verity-Amm, Oupa Mohoje, Jooste Nel and Aidon Davis.

The Cheetahs will tackle Perpignan in Amsterdam on 8 December in their opening game of the Challenge Cup.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg