The Stormers could be boosted by the return of three players for their European Champions Cup clash with English side Sale Sharks in Cape Town on Saturday, including Springbok number eight Evan Roos.

Roos (shoulder), prop Sti Sithole (ankle) and English wing Ben Loader (knee) have all been long-term absentees for the side this season, a year in which the team has battled on the injury front.

“Evan has started training with us, and (wing Leolin) Zas has trained on and off. It’s slow but sure,” Stormers assistant coach Norman Laker told reporters. “Sti is back in training, and Ben Loader is also training, and they’ll be available.

“(Roos) is a very impactful player, especially if he gets the ball in his hands. He and Marcel (Theunissen) play a very similar type of rugby and the team gets good momentum if they get the ball.

“We’ve all seen what Evan can do, he’s scored some very impressive tries for the Stormers, sometimes running almost 50 metres. His energy on attack is great for the team.”

The Stormers have lost their opening two matches in the Champions Cup and are in desperate need of a victory to keep their playoff hopes alive.