Cape Town - The Sharks have confirmed that No 8 Daniel du Preez will be out of action for up to four weeks after suffering a shoulder ligament tear.

Du Preez left the field at half-time over the weekend in the Sharks' Super Rugby clash with the Lions, an encounter they lost 26-19.

Scans performed on Monday confirmed the extent of the injury.

Replacement hooker, Akker van der Merwe also had to leave the field in the last minute of the match with a mild elbow strain, but has recovered well enough to resume training.

Scrumhalf Louis Schreuder is on track to re-join training next week followed by loose forward Jean-Luc du Preez, who is set to return to action in March as both recover from their respective injuries.

Lastly, Cameron Wright suffered a concussion and his return to training will be subject to passing the graduated return to play protocol.

The Sharks have a bye this week and will return to Super Rugby action on March 3 when they play the Waratahs in Durban.