THE mystery surrounding the fitness of flank Schalk Burger deepened this week when his coach at the Stormers, Allister Coetzee, said the likelihood of the 29-year-old playing this year was “0%”.
Burger has been out of the game for more than a year after tearing knee ligaments in round one of last year’s Super 15.
He had two knee surgeries in 2012 and was expected to return to action in time for the opening game of the current campaign in February. Coetzee even made Burger squad captain for the season, a clear indication the coaching staff believed he was ready to play.
But now, six weeks on from what was a “torn calf muscle”, there is still no sign of Burger and with each passing week it looks increasingly unlikely he will play again this season – if ever.
“Schalk will be reassessed in two to three weeks, which would be before we tour,” said Coetzee.
“He hasn’t played a game for a long time and he isn't able to train to the intensity we demand .
“As he is now, his chance of playing for the Stormers this year is at 0% , but after three more weeks we can assess again .
“If the results are positive then he could possibly tour. I don’t want Schalk back until he’s 100% fit and running on a treadmill at full capacity.”
Still no sign of injured Burger
Burger has been out of the game for more than a year after tearing knee ligaments in round one of last year’s Super 15.
He had two knee surgeries in 2012 and was expected to return to action in time for the opening game of the current campaign in February. Coetzee even made Burger squad captain for the season, a clear indication the coaching staff believed he was ready to play.
But now, six weeks on from what was a “torn calf muscle”, there is still no sign of Burger and with each passing week it looks increasingly unlikely he will play again this season – if ever.
“Schalk will be reassessed in two to three weeks, which would be before we tour,” said Coetzee.
“He hasn’t played a game for a long time and he isn't able to train to the intensity we demand .
“As he is now, his chance of playing for the Stormers this year is at 0% , but after three more weeks we can assess again .
“If the results are positive then he could possibly tour. I don’t want Schalk back until he’s 100% fit and running on a treadmill at full capacity.”
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