Whiteley, who has been sidelined with a knee injury has not been named in the Lions squad for the game, however, is expected to make his long-awaited return next week.

The Lions coach, Ivan van Rooyen, indicated that Whiteley could return against the Blue Bulls and could make the trip to Bloemfontein.

“Depending on his progress he could play next week. He is progressing nicely and he might go with us to Bloem to be a part of the experience.

“At this stage, it is a day-to-day, week-to-week thing. I can’t commit to saying that he will play or won’t play. We will see by Friday or Monday.”

Meanwhile, the Free State captain, Tian Meyer, is expected to be fit for the game, and Ruan Pienaar could be named on the bench.

Van Rooyen added that Pienaar will be an asset to the Cheetahs.

“You can’t buy experience, and there is loads of experience there. He is an exceptional player with a lot of experience. He has got a great passing game and he has got a great kicking game.

“He comes from there so he knows their game and he knows their culture. He will be a great benefit to them.”

Franco Smith will name his Free State Cheetahs team to face the Lions on Thursday afternoon.

Friday evenings’ game at the Toyota Stadium kicks off at 19:15.

Golden Lions – 15 Tyrone Green, 14 Madosh Tambwe, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Jan-Louis la Grange, 11 Stean Pienaar, 10 Shaun Reynolds, 9 Ross Cronje (captain), 8 Hacjivah Dayimani, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Marnus Schoeman, 5 Wilhelm van der Sluys, 4 Ruben Schoeman, 3 Johannes Jonker, 2 Pieter Jansen, 1 Sti Sithole.

 Replacements - 16 Jan-Henning Campher, 17 Leo Kruger, 18 Jacobie Adriaanse, 19 Reinhard Nothnagel, 20 James Venter, 21 Len Massyn, 22 Dillon Smit, 23 Manuel Rass.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport