Chris Smit limped off the park on Saturday against the Bulls in Pretoria with what appears to have been a hamstring niggle.

The 27-year-old Swanepoel has been out for the best part of 2020 with an injury, but he is fit and ready for action.

The Cheetahs coach, Hawies Fourie, told OFM Sport that the player might get a run this week.

“We've still got guys like Dries Swanepoel who hasn't gotten any game time since we started to play rugby again in October.

“He was with the team as player 26 the past week, so he will probably get an opportunity this coming weekend.”

At this stage, the Cheetahs' management is holding their cards close to their chest, but one can only assume that Swanepoel will be named on the bench for the clash.

Last week Fourie did also indicate that the hooker, Wilmar Arnoldi, and the lock, Reniel Hugo, are both fit and training again, and can be considered for selection this week.

The Cheetahs also have the 19-year-old Lesley Botha to call upon if the need arises. The former Montpellier centre has picked 4kg in muscle mass over the past month as he prepares for his Cheetahs debut.

Fourie will name his team for the match on Thursday morning.

Saturday’s match between the Free State and Lions at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein kicks off at 16:30.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport