There is currently an extensive injury list across South African rugby, and of the most notable absentees among Springbok players has been Eben Etzebeth.

Th powerful lock has been contending with a “return-of-symptoms from his recent concussion”, which has kept him out of action for a number of weeks now, and the length of his time on the sidelines has led to some real concerns.

“The Sharks take this injury very seriously and player welfare remains our top priority,” a statement recently revealed from the coastal side. “Eben is being managed by concussion specialists. He will be cleared to return once they are fully satisfied that his injury has completely resolved.”

It’s clear that the Sharks are extremely mindful that this is not the sort of recovery that can be rushed, and many of their medical staff will know better than most just why this is such a sensitive injury.

It can never be forgotten that former Sharks star Pat Lambie endured an incredible battle with post-concussion symptoms related to head knocks, and his battles with his recovery in this regard were well documented during his days in Durban.

Lambie eventually headed overseas, but was forced into early retirement after being advised by medical experts that he could not risk suffering another serious concussion.

It has led to some concern about Etzebeth’s lengthy recovery, but the fact of the matter is that the big lock does not have a recent history of suffering repeated concussions of this nature.

A lot more is also known about the importance of treating concussion far more carefully and conservatively these days, and the fact that Etzebeth is “being managed by concussion specialists” speaks volumes about how far medical practices have come in this regard.

The 33-year-old is also quite simply one of the toughest players in the game, and it’s more than likely he will be back in selection contention sooner rather than later.

The fact that the Sharks are not rushing him back is a credit to them, while any suggestion that Etzebeth could be forced into early retirement is wildly premature.

Take a broader look at current matters, Etzebeth is just one of a few Springbok players currently unavailable to the Sharks, and here are the full updates below.

THE SHARKS WILL HOPE TO HAVE EBEN ETZEBETH AND OTHER SPRINGBOKS BACK SOON

ESTERHUIZEN: Underwent surgery on his knee. Recovery in progress and the knee is healing well.    
FASSI: Underwent surgery on his ankle. Recovery in progress and the ankle is healing well.  
ETZEBETH: Suffered a return-of-symptoms of his recent concussion. The Sharks take this injury very seriously and player welfare remains our top priority. Eben is being managed by concussion specialists. He will be cleared to return once they are fully satisfied that his injury has completely resolved.  
NCHE: Tear of upper arm muscle. Being treated conservatively and recovery in progress.  

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE VOLUME OF INJURIES THIS SEASON?

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Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/springboks/early-retirement-for-key-springbok-no-chance/