The Sharks are expected to name their team to face the Cheetahs in a crucial Super Rugby match without influential Springbok hooker Bismarck du Plessis in their starting line up.

The match will decide whether the Sharks reach the play offs and it appears that the Sharks will have to beat the Cheetahs without one of their best players.

Du Plessis injured his knee cartilage playing against the Bulls and had a scan yesterday.

The Springbok hooker is such an important player to the Sharks fortunes that he may be named on the bench.

"Bismarck du Plessis has a knee cartilage worry requiring a scope," said Sharks coach John Plumtree.

"The knee swelled up after the match and although he could start this weekend, he'll probably play off the bench."

Du Plessis's injury opens the door for Craig Burden to show Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer what he can do against Springbok Adriaan Strauss who is ahead of him in the national selection.

The Sharks received some good news ahead of the crucial clash as Patrick Lambie, Willem Alberts and Steven Sykes who missed the match against the Bulls all trained yesterday with the team.

"Willem Alberts, Pat Lambie and Steven Sykes all ran on Monday afternoon and did well, they just have to get through training and hopefully they will be available, but we'll know after today.

"Jacques Botes is also possibly available which will be good news but Paul Jordaan hasn't taken any part in training, he is still a concern for us. "

"Pieter-Steph du Toit won't train, but we might get him through running and although we're hoping to have him available, that's a long shot."