Cape Town - EP Kings lock Steven Sykes is again troubled by a rib injury, while captain Luke Watson is still struggling with a quad injury.
Sykes injured his ribs in last weekend’s 32-24 win over the Free State Cheetahs in Port Elizabeth.
The burly lock missed the previous week’s clash against the Lions in Johannesburg with the same injury and his progress will be monitored this week as the Kings prepare to face the Pumas in Nelspuit.
Watson, who has been sidelined in recent weeks, is not responding as anticipated and will go for further investigation this week.
Meanwhile, fullback Scott van Breda - who scored 22 points in the win over the Cheetahs - is struggling with his left thigh and will also be monitored during the week.
Players on the long-term injury list include flyhalf/centre Shane Gates (foot), lock David Bulbring (shoulder), flyhalf Gary van Aswegen (knee), flank Aidon Davis (knee), flyhalf/fullback George Whitehead (knee), lock Cameron Lindsay (knee) and centre Ronnie Cook (toe fracture).
Friday’s Currie Cup clash at Mbombela Stadium is scheduled for 17:00.