Cape Town - Springbok lock Andries Bekker is expected to be fit to play in the Stormers' next Super Rugby match against the Lions on June 30.

Bekker was sidelined with a lower back injury prior to the start of the South Africa v England three-Test series.

According to the Planet Rugby website, while Bekker’s return will serve as a big boost to the Cape franchise, there are still a number of players on the injured list.

Schalk Burger and Nick Koster were initially tipped to return next week, but coach Allister Coetzee has confirmed that this is now unlikely, while Duane Vermeulen’s return has also been pushed back, and it is now hoped that he will be available for the playoffs.

"Duane (Vermeulen) is firmly on track with his rehab and remains set for a return for any potential playoffs," said Coetzee.

"Schalla's (Burger) progress has however been slower than hoped and it is unlikely that both he and (Nick) Koster will be available for the Lions game," added Coetzee.

The Stormers will also be without Rynhardt Elstadt who has been banned for the Lions match after accumulating three yellow cards throughout the season.

The Stormers are currently top the South African Conference, and second in the Combined log with three matches remaining.

Following the Stormers' match against the Lions at Newlands, they will travel to Bloemfontein to face the Cheetahs (July 7), before concluding the group phase of this year's competition at home against the lowly Melbourne Rebels.