Kolbe injured his ankle on the weekend during the French Top14 game against Toulon.

Steyn, in turn, injured his knee during the Cheetahs' bonus point 32-7 win over the Bulls in Bloemfontein.

The Cheetahs coach, Hawies Fourie, confirmed that Steyn injured his knee and not his quadriceps, but he doubts that the experienced player will be fit and ready for this weekend’s knockout match in France.

"His knee is sore and he walks the way I do after I've played tennis on Wednesday afternoon," said the coach.

"He took a hard tackle on his kneecap exactly where the injury was that has been bugging him and this will most likely keep him out.

"I also thought that he might have torn his quad, but he said when he kicked the ball, the pain in his knee just got worse.

"We're hoping for the best, I don't think that there is much chance of him going to France with us."

Fourie is expected to name his squad for the trip to France on Monday.

This week the Cheetahs will be using two squads again, with one facing the Pumas on Friday night in the Currie Cup.

Saturday’s match between Toulon and the Cheetahs at Stade Mayol starts at 13:30.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport