The Cheetahs sustained some injuries following Saturday’s narrow 40-39 defeat to Western Province at Newlands in Cape Town.

The most serious injury concern is that of the in-form winger, Duncan Saal, who dislocated his shoulder in Cape Town. The Cheetahs are also sweating over the hard-working Jeandré Rudolph, who himself picked up a serious knee injury.

Both players will undergo further scans on Tuesday in order to access the extent of their respective injuries.

The Cheetahs have entered a difficult block of matches where they still have five games in the space of 18 days. Player and squad management will be of vital importance, while the Cheetahs are still in the shout for the semi-finals. This will, however, require the Free State outfit to return to winning ways on Wednesday.

The Cheetahs coach, Hawies Fourie, said that the match against the Lions will be make or break.

We will have to go game-by-game. We can't look too far into the future. All of our focus will be on the Lions game and we will have to make sure that we are well-rested and recovered.

They have an extra day on us and that will make a huge difference.

We will be ready on Wednesday. Wednesday it will be make or break. If we lose, then it will make it difficult for us to get into the semis.

Wednesday evening’s match at the Toyota Stadium kicks off at 19:00.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport