Bok star Lukhanyo Am set to miss Sharks' Challenge Cup final

The Durban franchise is preparing for their biggest match of the season as they face English club Gloucester for a chance at some much-needed silverware at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London this weekend.

In an online press conference on Tuesday, Sharks Director of Rugby Neil Powell revealed the Bok centre Lukhanyo Am will miss Friday's final.

"Am is going to be out for a while, I am not sure about the extent of his injury," said Powell on Tuesday.

"He has a shoulder injury that he is struggling with and a fractured rib. He will be out for quite a few weeks. It's definitely the end of the URC and EPCR campaign for him.

"It's always a big loss to not have your national players and also your captain. Lukhanyo has been really good for us this season. In knockout games, you want your senior players to be available. So it is a bit of a big loss for us."

Powell also confirmed that Springbok scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse remains sidelined with an injury he suffered last month in Wales. Fellow Bok Grant Williams has been adequate cover behind the ruck.

The good news for the Sharks is that fast-rising talent Ethan Hooker has recovered from a knock and looks set to don the No.12 jersey alongside veteran Francios Venter in the midfield. Meanwhile, Bok behemoths Eben Etzebeth and Vincent Koch are also expected to be fully fit for the Sharks' biggest game of a troubling season.

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