Cape Town - Cheetahs centre Nico Lee will miss their Super Rugby clash against the Sunwolves in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
Lee injured his shoulder in last weekend’s 34-28 home win over the Bulls, and according to Netwerk24, he will not be risked for the game against the Japanese side.
Lee’s midfield partner, Clinton Swart, also picked up a rib injury against the Bulls but he is likely to face the Sunwolves.
The Cheetahs’ win over the Bulls came at a heavy price, with Sport24 earlier reporting the injuries to three frontline players.
Lock Reniel Hugo - who injured his knee against the Bulls - will beout for the remainder of the Super Rugby season.
Flank Uzair Cassiem and prop Ox Nche also picked up knee injuries last weekend and face spells on the sidelines.
Cassiem has a Grade 2 ligament tear which will keep him sidelined for up to a month, while Nche has a Grade 1 tear and will be out for about 10 days.
Despite the injuries, the Cheetahs will remain confident of beating the struggling Sunwolves at home.
The Japanese team started their season with an 83-17 loss to the Hurricanes, before losing 37-23 to the Kings in Singapore at the weekend.
Cheetahs coach Franco Smith is confident they will overcome their injury woes.
"We knew from the start that injuries would be a part of it so we're going to just fight through it," he said.
Saturday's clash is scheduled for 17:15, with Smith to name his team later on Thursday.