The centre Carel-Jan Coetzee is expected to miss the tournament due to a knee injury.

On Tuesday morning, the player, who previously represented the Griffons, underwent a scope. At this stage, it is unclear how long he will be sidelined, but he remains optimistic that he will be ready for the Currie Cup.

Carel-Jan Coetzee in action against Emerging Ireland. Photo: Morgan Piek

The latest injury puts strain on the centre department, but a player such as Banie Britz is making his return from injury. In addition, the Cheetahs also have the powerful, ball-carrying former Shimlas centre Jooste Nel, who is fit and training again.

While the Cheetahs do have options, it is Coetzee’s recent form that will certainly be missed the most.

Coetzee told OFM Sport that it is best to resolve the issue now to ensure he can play pain-free in the future. “It’s my knee that is getting a scope today; I’m already in the hospital,” said the physical 30-year-old.

Banie Britz. Photo: Morgan Piek

“I have a bone fragment and also a meniscus repair that needs to be done – so it’s bad having an injury now, but we have to sort it out because playing with so much pain was not nice.

“I don’t know what the recovery time is yet, but I will definitely be ready for the Currie Cup.”

The Cheetahs will face the Boland Cavaliers on 8 March in Wellington in their opening game of the SA Cup.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek