Cape Town - Western Province received a big setback on Monday with the news that flank Rynhardt Elstadt will be out of action for three weeks.

WP Rugby confirmed that Elstadt sustained a hairline fracture in one of his ribs in their 29-22 win over the Free State Cheetahs over the weekend. This will see him miss their upcoming clash against the Sharks in Durban, as well as home games against Griquas and the Golden Lions.

Initial thoughts were that Elstadt would be fine after the union announced on Sunday that he only sustained "a few bumps and bruises".

However, the prognosis was found to be worse than initially thought which is a big blow to the Capetonians who are already thin in the loose forward stakes. Schalk Burger, Nick Koster, Nizaam Carr and Siya Kolisi are all out with injuries, while No 8 Duane Vermeulen is away with the Springboks for the Rugby Championship. These injuries have seen captain and regular hooker Deon Fourie do duty as a loose forward in the Currie Cup.

Wing Ederies Arendse is also still struggling with a shoulder injury and will likely be sidelined for six more weeks.

Coach Allister Coetzee did, however, receive some good news on Monday with flank Tyrone Holmes (shoulder) and fullback Joe Pietersen (wrist) declared ready for selection. Loose forward Tertius Daniller (long-term knee injury) also rejoined the squad at training on Monday.

WP's win in Bloemfontein lifted them to top spot on the overall Currie Cup log with 15 points, leading the Golden Lions and Sharks on points difference.

Their clash against the Sharks at Kings Park kicks off at 19:10 on Saturday.