Springbok centre Jesse Kriel set for extended spell on the sidelines

Springbok and Bulls centre Jesse Kriel will be sidelined for up to eight weeks after suffering an ankle ligament injury against the Stormers over the weekend.

The Bulls have confirmed that the centre will undergo corrective surgery this week and is set to be sidelined for six to eight weeks.

The news comes a further blow to the Bulls hopes of bouncing back from the defeat to the Stormers with wings Divan Rossouw and Jade Stighling also been ruled out of this weekend’s match against the Waratahs due to concussions.

The Bulls did confirm that entre Burger Odendaal is set to return from injury while forwards Jason Jenkins, Tim Agaba and Eli Snyman are still recovering from their long-term injuries, but will not yet be considered for selection this week.

It has been reported that Kriel has told the Bulls that he is set to accept a deal to join former Springbok coach Allister Coetzee in Japan with the Canon Eagles.

Kriel's latest injury could see him miss the remainder of the regular season and could spell the end of his Bulls career if he is to accept the deal and the Bulls fail to make the playoffs of Super Rugby.