Coetzee ruled out for nine months

Ulster have confirmed that Springbok back-row Marcell Coetzee's latest injury setback will keep him on the sidelines for nine moths.

Coetzee arrived at the Ulster in 2017 but only played five times last season, missing most of it due to a damaged ACL injury he sustained playing for Super Rugby side the Sharks.

He started in Ulster' sseason opener against the Cheetahs, but another knee injury saw him sit out their next five PRO14 fixtures.

Ulster Rugby medical team issued the following medical update on his latest injury: "Marcell Coetzee underwent surgery this week in South Africa. 

"He has had recurrent left knee problems because of a laxity in his previously repaired ACL, and to repair this he has had revision surgery performed on this ligament. 

"His anticipated return to play time is 9 months."

Meanwhile, fellow loose forward, Chris Henry sustained trauma to his larynx in the game against Connacht and was unavailable for selection this week. It is hoped he will be fit for selection next week.

Alan O'Connor sustained a concussion in the game against Connacht and is following Return to Play protocols.

David Shanahan sustained a torn right hamstring playing for Ballymena last Friday and it is estimated he will be unavailable for the next 3-4 weeks.

Rob Lyttle sustained a right shoulder injury playing for Banbridge last Friday and was unavailable for selection this week.

These players join Craig Gilroy (back), Jared Payne (headaches), Rory Best (hamstring) and Nick Timoney (ankle) on the current injured list.

Schalk van der Merwe has resumed full training and it is anticipated he will return to rugby next weekend.

Photo credit: Official Ulster Rugby website