The player injured his knee on Saturday during the team's 28-25 defeat to the Lions in Bloemfontein.

Subsequent scans have revealed that Petersen has a strained MCL and faces a lengthy period on the side-lines.

This could mean that the veteran backline player, Rayno Benjamin, could earn a start for the team on Saturday on the wing.

The good news for the team is that the captain and Springbok centre, Francois Venter, has started running again. He will not be ready for this week's match against the Bulls or next week's clash against the Sunwolves.

If all goes well, he could make his return to the field against the Jaguares at the
Estadio Jose Amalfitani on 18 March.

The Bulls will be without the Springbok lock Lood de Jager for the clash in Bloemfontein.

The former Cheetahs second-rower sustained concussion during their defeat to the Stormers while on debut for his new team.

The centre Jan Serfontein has recovered from his injury and is available for selection while the former Springbok captain Adriaan Strauss has returned to training.

Saturday evening's clash between the Cheetahs and the Bulls at the Toyota Stadium kicks off at 19:30.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport