Eben Etzebeth has now been predominantly sidelined for the last four months as he continues to be “managed by concussion specialists” after battling with ongoing symptoms since suffering a head knock in a Sharks match on 7 December.
Etzebeth has recently been reintegrated into training at the Sharks, but the coastal franchise is not willing to rush him back into action as they continue to treat this case conservatively.
In the latest word from Sharks coach John Plumtree, he admitted that he was still extremely wary to provide a prematurely positive update on Etzebeth.
“I am too scared to tell you anything positive,” Plumtree told the media in the build up to Saturday’s United Rugby Championship clash with the Lions. “When I got my hopes up we ended going backwards again.
“He has trained well this week and we are hoping is not far away… As I have said, I am a bit too nervous to give any positive timelines, but it is starting to look much better.”
Rassie Erasmus has been closely monitoring the Eben Etzebeth case
During a media update on Wednesday, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus said they expected the abrasive lock to be available to feature prominently this season, quelling any concerns that it could be a career-threatening issue that the big lock is contending with.
“He doesn’t have any symptoms, he went through all the processes… and, according to what I’ve heard, he will be one of the players that will be available,” Erasmus added.
“He is not yet ready to play but I think he’s getting very close to getting ready to play. He just wants that clean sheet of being concussion-free. Then it’s back to normal again.”
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Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/springboks/eben-etzebeth-injury-coach-scared-to-be-positive/
