Sebastian de Klerk is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a serious foot injury. MORNÉ ESBEN reports.
Vodacom Bulls coach Johan Ackermann on Thursday confirmed the winger will likely be out until the end of the year after going down in the 32-19 defeat to the Stormers at Loftus.
“It’s a lisfranc [mid-foot ligament] injury and has to be fixed surgically. I don’t want to speculate, but it is a five- to six-month recovery time. Then they have to remove stuff, and then it’s another period out.”
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It’s a brutal blow for one of the Bulls’ most exciting young prospects, and one that also derails his growing Springbok ambitions.
De Klerk recently got a taste of the national setup through an alignment camp, and had been firmly in the conversation heading into a big international year after a string of strong, consistent performances.
“Obviously there are no words to comfort him,” said Ackermann. “We have sent him a message, but he is disappointed for various reasons – one that he can’t play and two because he’s now had a first taste of the Springbok environment even though it was only an alignment camp. I know the Springbok coaches speak very highly of him.”
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The timing could hardly be worse, with the injury ruling De Klerk out of the July internationals, which may have offered him a breakthrough opportunity.
While the Bulls regroup ahead of Friday’s clash against Cardiff at Loftus, attention will inevitably shift to how they cover the loss of De Klerk’s pace and finishing ability out wide.
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There is, however, some good news for the Pretoria-based club, with the return of Cameron Hanekom after a nine-month injury lay-off.
“It was a tough time for him, seeing the boys play and he couldn’t, so he’s really excited,” said Ackermann. “We’re confident we’ve done a lot to prepare him and I’m sure he’s fully fit. He’s done all the off-field testing to make sure that he’s 100% and he’s looking good at training.”
Ackermann acknowledged there may be some rust, but backed Hanekom to make an impact as he works his way back.
“There’s always a bit of nervousness when you come back from an injury – how sharp are you and how well will you play? But ultimately any player who’s played at a high level before has the talent, and he must just enjoy himself. I think that’ll be the message: go out and express yourself.”
Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
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Sebastian de Klerk is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a serious foot injury.
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