Springbok Etzebeth's return hit by 'setback'

There is still some uncertainty about when Eben Etzebeth will return to the playing field.

The Bok lock was beginning to make his comeback from a shoulder injury he suffered in the Springboks’ tour match against Wales in Cardiff in November last year.

However, Stormers head coach Robbie Fleck said Etzebeth’s return was put on hold due to an injury he suffered in training during the June international break.

“He had a bit of a setback two weeks ago in training. He did a bit of damage to his back, so that set him back a week which affected this week,” said Fleck ahead of his team’s Super Rugby Round 17 clash against the Jaguares in Buenos Aires.

“Hopefully he has a great week training with the [Western] Province side back at home and we can look at him again from a selection point of view for next week against the Sharks.

“Every time he has a little bit of a setback and obviously it affects his return to play. We can’t really put a time to it, it is a big injury he is coming back from.

“We would obviously like to have him in the mix, but I don’t know where we sit at the moment. We will have to have a look at him again when we get back. I don’t think it is looking promising that he is going to be playing Super Rugby this year with only one game left.”

After their match against the Jaguares, the Stormers face the Sharks in Newlands in Cape Town on Saturday, July 7.

The Stormers have a bye in the final round.

Credit: @Rugby365

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