The Golden Lions will be without influential No 8 Warren Whiteley for Saturday's clash against the Blue Bulls.

Having missed out on World Cup selection, Whiteley was a late withdrawal from last weekend’s Currie Cup match after suffering a calf strain at training, which is set to keep the Lions' regular captain out of action for another week.

In other injury news, prop Julian Redelinghuys is suffering from a chest injury and will have to pass a late fitness test on Thursday, while winger Anthony Volmink is out with concussion.

However, Martin Muller (ankle injury) may be available for selection if he passes a fitness test, with Stokkies Hanekom (jaw) and Jaco van der Walt (chest) also expected to return to selection contention.

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