Cape Town - Western Province have been dealt a big blow in their midfield, with centre Tim Whitehead ruled out with a knee injury.

According to the WP Rugby website, Whitehead has damaged knee ligaments and is expected to be out for 4 weeks. His injury does not require surgery.

Loose forward Pieter Louw will also be out in the cold for at least the next three weeks after suffering an injury to the rib cage against the Lions two weeks ago.

"At first it looked like Pieter bruised his ribs but scans show that he's done a light fracture," WP coach Allister Coetzee told SAPA.

"It's unlikely that he'll be back for some time, perhaps three weeks on the sidelines."

Another loosie on the 'walking wounded' list is Province flank Siya Kolisi with a hamstring injury, which requires "conservative treatment" over the next few days. He may require another week to be ready.

On the positive side of things for the Cape side, hooker Deon Fourie (broken nose) and flyhalf Lionel Cronje (knee) both trained on Monday. 

Fourie will available for their clash against Griquas in Kimberley on Saturday, while Cronje still needs some field fitness.

Another flyhalf, Kurt Coleman, is also not far from returning.

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