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Cape Town - The Sharks are preparing for another Super Rugby clash with uncertainty hovering over the availability of flyhalf and captain Pat Lambie.
Lambie has been missing since June 11 when he was concussed in the first Test between South Africa and Ireland and Cape Town.
While there was no confirmation from the Sharks that Lambie would be sidelined or available for Friday's crucial clash against the Sunwolves in Durban, the word from director of rugby Gary Gold on Tuesday was that there had been minimal change to his condition.
"No, not really, not at this stage," Gold responded when asked if there had been any change to Lambie.
"Not at this stage in terms of there still being slight symptoms.
"But he's definitely feeling a lot better. When we spoke to him at Craven Week yesterday (Monday) he's feeling a lot better and certainly feeling a lot more buoyed about his return."
Lambie was expected to start doing some cardio exercise on Tuesday, and how he responded to that would be crucial in terms of when he was made available.
"I actually think he's going to start doing some exercise-induced stuff now and hopefully if there are no symptoms after that then hopefully he can get back sooner rather than later," said Gold.
"It is a serious concussion.
"You can't mess around with concussion and we won't, but there's definitely signs of improvement, no question of a doubt."
That is not where the Sharks' injury woes stop.
Gold ruled out Willie le Roux (shoulder) for the Sunwolves, but he was "quite optimistic" that he would have his Springbok fullback back for the playoffs.
Loose forward Jean-Luc du Preez is also a concussion concern following Saturday's 26-10 win over the Cheetahs, while lock Stephan Lewies also has a knock.
"Otherwise I think everybody else should be fit and raring to go," said Gold.
A piece of good news is that centre Paul Jordaan has almost recovered from the knee injury that forced him off the park just 10 minutes into the Sharks' loss against the Lions at Ellis Park two weekends ago.
"He is looking like an option," Gold said of Jordaan.
"He's a guy that we may give to Thursday and if we do give him to Thursday does it not make sense to give him an extra two days of recovery and make sure that he's fit and raring to go next week?
"We may not necessarily have to rush him back.
"Luckily with a guy like Paul he's a hell of an athlete so luckily fitness is not an issue with him."
Gold also confirmed that stand-in captain Tendai Mtawarira would be rested against the Sunwolves.
If the Sharks beat the Japanese outfit, they will secure a quarter-final place.
