Bernardo has been undergoing rehabilitation for the knee injury and has confirmed that he begun with field sessions again last week.

The 30-year-old second-rower is hopeful to be back in action towards the end of this month.

“The rehab's coming along nicely,” Bernardo told OFM Sport.

“I just did the first field session, so I’m progressively making my way back.

“Hopefully all will be good for late next month, if all goes to plan.”

Aidon Davis and Ockie Barnard have been standing in for the injured Bernardo.

Meanwhile, the in-form flyhalf, Siya Masuku, could miss out on the Cheetahs match against the Lions in Johannesburg on Friday. 

Masuku, who missed the Cheetahs victory against Western Province in Cape Town due to flu, copped an elbow to the eye during training. 

His eye is badly swollen and this could lead to him being declared unavailable for the match. As this stands, Reinhardt Fortuin could earn a second start in a row for the unbeaten Cheetahs.

The Cheetahs will face the Lions at 19:00 in Friday evening at Ellis Park.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport