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Cape Town - After a bruising two weeks in which they have taken a battering, the Bulls received some good news on Monday with Springbok flank Marco van Staden cleared from his concussion symptoms.
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The Bulls have lost their two opening matches of the season - 23-15 to the Sharks in Durban and 13-0 to the Stormers in Cape Town - and have also been hampered with injuries.
Van Staden's return was a rare shining light when team doctor Herman Rossouw delivered his weekly fitness report on Monday.
"The good news is that Marco van Staden recovered completely from his concussion and he will be available for selection as of next week," Rossouw said.
The Bulls have a bye this weekend and their next fixture is scheduled for February 22 at home against the Blues.
On the negative side, Rossouw reported two new injury concerns following the past weekend's loss at Newlands.
Lock Juandre Kruger suffered concussion, while hooker Johan Grobbelaar sustained an ankle injury.
Kruger should, however, be ready for the Bulls' next match.
"He'll be on the sideline for this week. Luckily there's a bye this coming weekend and he's expected to be back in training by next week," Rossouw said.
Commenting on Grobbelaar's ankle discomfort, the doctor said: "Initially it wasn't thought to be too bad but scans will be done to determine the extent of the damage. He can be on the sideline for at least six weeks, depending on the outcome of the scans."
Rossouw added that centre Dylan Sage - who was injured late last month - will undergo surgery for an ankle fracture this week.
"He's going to be on the sidelines for three-four months."
Prop Simphiwe Matanzima was also injured in the first round loss to the Sharks.
"He's recovering from his AC-joint (shoulder) injury and still going to be out for another two to three weeks, as well as Louis van der Westhuizen who picked up a niggle with his ankle last week. He is also going to be on the sidelines for two weeks.
"Tim Agaba will be falling in with the team as of Thursday with some selective sessions. He's still not going to be able to make contact though but we'll keep a close eye on his progress," Rossouw concluded.
- Compiled by Herman Mostert
