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Cheetahs wait on Goosen

Cape Town - The Cheetahs will know in midweek if they can pick Springbok flyhalf Johan Goosen for their warm-up game against the Bulls in Polokwane on Saturday.

Goosen hasn't played any rugby since he injured his knee against the All Blacks in Soweto in October last year but could make his long-awaited return this week.

However, according to the Volksblad website, it's not Goosen's knee which is bothering him. His left heel is giving him trouble when kicking for posts and the youngster will go for a scan in Johannesburg on Tuesday to determine his availability.

They will know on Wednesday of he can face the Bulls this weekend.

The Cheetahs' backline coach, Hawies Fourie, said the possibility exists that a bone fragment in Goosen's heel split off which would then need to be removed. However, should that be the case, Goosen will only be out for an additional week and should be ready to start their Super Rugby campaign.

"Johan practiced with the team last Monday and then on his own for the rest of the week. Today (Monday) he trained with the team again. His knee is 100%. All is fine when he runs. It's only when he grounds his foot to kick for posts when he feels pain in his heel," said Fourie.

Should Goosen be unable to face the Bulls on Saturday, either Elgar Watts, Riaan Smit or Francois Brummer will get a chance.

The Cheetahs beat the Stormers 27-26 in a warm-up game in Bloemfontein on Saturday. They start their Super Rugby campaign at home against the Sharks on Saturday, February 23.
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