Proteas seamer Kagiso Rabada is in danger of missing the opening game of the World Cup due to a ‘significant’ back injury.

Dr Mohammed Moosajee addressed the media at the Wanderers Stadium on Tuesday to give an injury update on the Proteas’ ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup squad.

His first major announcement about the 15-man squad was that Chris Morris would replace the injured Anrich Nortje, who has unfortunately been ruled out of the tournament.

READ: Morris called up to Proteas World Cup squad

He followed this with an update on Rabada, who had suggested on Monday that his back injury was not too serious. The Proteas team manager suggested otherwise, stating that the 23-year-old could take up to three weeks to recover, which puts him in doubt for the World Cup opener against England on 30 May.

‘Kagiso Rabada developed a “significant” lower back injury, what we call a lumber-muscle strain, with associated muscle spasm while playing in this year’s IPL,’ said Dr Moosajee.

‘Thankfully, investigations revealed that there was no bony pathology. The expected recovery is two to three weeks, and we are confident he will make a full recovery to be part of the World Cup squad.’ 

READ: Rabada: Regarding my back, I’m good

Lungi Ngidi’s progress is good with the speedster having returned to the Wanderers nets on Tuesday.

Dale Steyn is still undergoing rehab with his shoulder. The SA team management is confident he’ll be recovered for the World Cup opener.

‘Dale Steyn returned from the IPL due to his right shoulder flaring up,’ Dr Moosajee added. ‘He consulted with an orthopaedic shoulder specialist in Cape Town. He has responded well to treatment and is showing signs of improvement.

‘Scans done revealed nothing of significance compared to those done post his previous surgery. He is currently doing rehab and training, and following a very specific and progressive return-to-play programme. He will be reassessed when we reassemble this weekend for the Cricket World Cup camp.’

Dr Moosajee also confirmed that JP Duminy and Tabraiz Shamsi have recovered after injury scares.

Photo: Anesh Debiky/Gallo Images