Cape Town - The Cheetahs' Springbok flank Juan Smith has not been included in their pre-season training camp to Jeffreys Bay after experiencing further discomfort in training.

Smith recently started practicing again after being out for almost a year with an Achilles injury.

However, the Volksblad newspaper reports that Smith again experienced discomfort which prevented him from boarding their bus to the coastal town on Monday.

"It's not something to start panicking over, it's merely a precautionary measure. Juan will undergo a scan and then visit a specialist in the Cape. We just want to make sure he's 100% ready," said Ian Morris, the Cheetahs' team doctor.

The Cheetahs are planning to have Smith ready for their first Super Rugby match against the Lions in Johannesburg on February 25.

"It's tough to give a specific date. It's an injury you just have to be patient with and hope for the best," said Morris.

Griquas flank Leon Karemaker has replaced Smith on the trip to Jeffreys Bay.

"Juan experienced pain in his Achilles and we decided he should not attend the practice camp. He also won't join us at a later stage. Leon (Karemaker) has been included in his place," said Hawies Fourie, the Cheetahs' backline coach.