The Sharks have been dealt a further blow to their pack ahead of this weekend’s United Rugby Championship coastal derby against the Stormers in Durban.

The two-time World Cup winning Springbok lock, Eben Etzebeth, is not available for selection after undergoing surgery for a knee injury.

There may however be some good news with the Bethlehem-born Bongi Mbonambi set to return to action after sustaining a knee injury in last year’s Rugby World Cup final against the All Blacks.

The coach, John Plumtree, hinted that Mbonambi could be in action for the derby, but confirmed that Etzebeth’s surgery has just added to the frustration.

“It’s a long season and I feel like I’ve been handicapped by the fact that I’ve had a lot of injuries. It’s Bongi’s first game coming up and he’s our number one hooker,” said Plumtree.

“Eben Etzebeth has started playing and now had a knee operation so he’ll only be back in a few weeks.

“So it’s been a bit frustrating for me that I haven’t been able to put out the kind of pack I’ve wanted to.

“If I put out the pack that I’ve wanted to, it would make the bench a lot stronger, with fresh legs coming off the bench after 60 minutes.”

Earlier in the press conference Plumtree indicated that up to six players have been unavailable in the pack alone through injury, with most having required surgery.

Saturday’s game at Kings’ Park kicks off at 17:05. Meanwhile at 15:00 the Lions will tackle the Bulls in Johannesburg.