Cape Town - Western Province received more bad news on the injury front as they prepare for their Currie Cup clash against the Leopards at Newlands on Saturday.

WP coach Allister Coetzee told Die Burger newspaper that eightman Duane Vermeulen probably won't play rugby again this year, while flyhalf Demetri Catrakilis will not be considered for the clash against the Leopards.

Vermeulen's knee is not healing as effectively as what the WP management initially hoped it would, while Catrakilis sustained a slight tear to his right bicep in the game against Griquas on Saturday.

"I'm afraid bad news from the Doctor has put a slight damper on the joy of Saturday's victory over Griquas," said Coetzee.

"The specialist is not at all happy with Duane's knee. The biggest problem is the bruising of the bone that occurred deeper within the knee. For the foreseeable future, all permitted exercise is walking."

The coach is also saddened by the injury to his flyhalf, Catrakilis. Province have had a crisis with injuries at No 10 this year and the Ikey pivot is the No 5 choice in that position. However, he has grabbed his opportunity with both hands this season, even winning the Absa Currie Cup Player-of-the-Month accolade for August.

"It's a huge pity that it had to happen now, Demetri kicked poorly over the weekend, but has shown a willingness to risk more in a sensible manner - not just through sheer opportunism.

"We expect a flyhalf to give direction to the backline, to get us into the right areas on the field and he attacked the line a couple of times on Saturday. And now this," said a dejected Coetzee.

Isma-eel Dollie or Lionel Cronjé will now slot in at No 10 on Saturday.

Dollie has trained with the team for the whole season, while Cronjé had his first field season last week after recovering from a knee injury.