Flank CJ Velleman is one of three players who suffered injuries in the Kings’ loss to Treviso last weekend.

Velleman, who made his first start in two years for the Kings against Treviso, has been plagued by knee injuries since 2016.

The 23-year-old has now joined captain Michael Willemse and lock Bobby de Wee on the treatment table as all three sustained shoulder injuries in last Saturday’s clash.

‘We unfortunately had Bobby de Wee and CJ Velleman sustaining shoulder injuries over the weekend, and they will be seeing specialists for further treatment this week,’ team doctor Gershwin Kortje explained. ‘Mikey Willemse also injured his shoulder and is seeing an orthopedic surgeon.’

The trio join prop Schalk Ferreira (fractured nose) and loose forward Henry Brown (foot) on the sidelines

However, the good news is that prop Martin Dreyer underwent a successful knee operation, while scrumhalf Sarel Pretorius is making progress on his comeback from an ankle injury.

‘Martin’s surgery went well and he will be starting with his physio next week. The prognosis is good, but there is still a long road ahead before he can return to the field,’ Kortje said.

‘Sarel has recovered and responded very well to his surgery and rehabilitation. He still has a couple of weeks of rehabilitation left before he can return to play.’

The Kings next play the Scarlets on 26 October.

Photo: Michael Sheehan/Gallo Images