Warren Whiteley is still going through the rehabilitation process for a knee injury and will not be rushed back into action.
Whiteley has been battling a recurring knee injury for the best part of the season and has only played a handful of games.
In a bid to fight for a spot in South Africa’s team to play Argentina in Pretoria next week and for a subsequent place in the 31-man squad for the World Cup, it was hoped that Whiteley might be able to return to action for the Golden Lions against the Vodacom Blue Bulls this weekend.
But his World Cup dream appears to be dashed after Lions CEO Rudolf Straeuli confirmed the No 8 is not being considered for selection because he has not fully recovered yet.
‘It is frustrating for the player. Injuries are the most frustrating part of any players’ career,’ Straeuli told IOL Sport.
‘The doctors have a game plan though, and we’re going to back off and not put any pressure on him.
‘He has simply progressed slower than we thought he would after the surgery. The tissue in his knee has to heal now, he has to be completely fine before he plays again.
‘I suppose the lesson we’ve learned in this is that players should not be pushed into action when they’re not ready,’ he added.
‘Every player needs to be fully recovered before they do something which is not to their benefit.’
Photo: Archive
