Cape Town - Western Province and Stormers coach Allister Coetzee has confirmed that Schalk Burger is "not likely" to return to action this year, according to EWN Sport.
Coetzee had hoped to 'ease back' the veteran Springbok loose forward through the Currie Cup competition, but after Burger's knee injury failed to respond as the team's medical staff hoped, it now appears unlikely that Burger will play rugby again this year.
Burger, who was appointed to lead the Cape team this season, has not played since the opening 20 minutes of the first Super Rugby match against the Hurricanes in February, when he tore medial ligaments in his knee.
Burger was initially expected to be out for just a couple of weeks. However, the nature of the injury is now starting to introduce some concerns about his future in the game.
WP open their Currie Cup campaign at home to the Sharks on Saturday.
Coetzee had hoped to 'ease back' the veteran Springbok loose forward through the Currie Cup competition, but after Burger's knee injury failed to respond as the team's medical staff hoped, it now appears unlikely that Burger will play rugby again this year.
Burger, who was appointed to lead the Cape team this season, has not played since the opening 20 minutes of the first Super Rugby match against the Hurricanes in February, when he tore medial ligaments in his knee.
Burger was initially expected to be out for just a couple of weeks. However, the nature of the injury is now starting to introduce some concerns about his future in the game.
WP open their Currie Cup campaign at home to the Sharks on Saturday.