Cape Town - The Sharks are facing a scrumhalf crisis after Conrad Hoffmann tore a muscle in his chest and was ruled out for at least 10 weeks.

This comes after Hoffmann also missed the last few weeks of last season's Currie Cup with an elbow injury.

And with Ross Cronje departing with his twin brother Guy to the Lions, the Sharks suddenly look rather thin at No 9.

Beeld reports that Springbok Charl McLeod will be their No 1 scrumhalf and without Cronje and Hoffmann, it leaves the door open for the young Cobus Reinach.

Reinach, the son of the late former Springbok wing and Springbok athlete Jaco, was a star for the Sharks' Under-21 team last season. Hoffmann's injury could thus be the perfect opportunity for the 21-year-old to make his mark on the big stage.

Frenchman Frederic Michalak could also help out at scrumhalf but he's on his way to Toulon and won't be available for the whole season.

The Sharks have further backline worries after fullback Louis Ludik cut open his left leg on an apparatus in the gym. He's not allowed to run this week.

Two of their Bok loose forwards, Willem Alberts and Jean Deysel, are also still in rehab and will miss the first part of their pre-season.

Alberts is struggling with a shoulder injury while Deysel has knee problems.