Springbok captain Warren Whiteley should be back in competitive action by December according to Lions team doctor Rob Collins.
Whiteley has been injured since June, but Collins says he can start jogging over the next few weeks.
Collins told Netwerk24 that Whiteley may feature for his Japanese club in early or mid-December.
“There is, however, no chance that he’ll be able to form part of the Springbok’s year-end tour to Europe,” Collins said.
“It’s now only a nerve affecting the muscles that need to be sorted out. But that nerve is starting to heal nicely and he should be ready to play in less than two months.”
Whiteley plays for Japanese club NTT Docomo-Red Hurricanes during the South African off-season and will resume playing for the Lions in Super Rugby.
Lock Eben Etzebeth will lead the Springboks on their year-end tour to Europe with Whiteley out of international action for the time being.
Meanwhile, Springbok coach Allister Coetzee has praised the manner in which Etzebeth has taken on the role.
“Eben has really taken to his role as captain of the Springboks and it makes sense to retain him. I know he is well respected by talking to opposition coaches and referees, and he enjoys the respect of his peers.
“With Eben at the helm for the tour, we are looking forward to continuing our process of building continuity, cohesion and experience within this team as we also start to build towards the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.”
South Africa will play Ireland (November 11, Dublin), France (November 18, Paris), Italy (November 25, Padova) and Wales (December 2, Cardiff) on their season-ending tour of Europe.
The post Bok skipper Whiteley may return in December appeared first on Planet Rugby.