Springbok flank Schalk Burger and hooker Bismarck du Plessis are both in a race against time to prove their fitness for Saturdays clash against Italy.

Burger and Du Plessis are struggling with rib injuries, sustained during the Boks' 13-20 loss to France and they will be given until Thursday to prove their fitness.

If Burger is ruled out, Danie Rossouw, Dewald Potgieter, Jean Deysel or even Ashley Johnson could come into contention while Adriaan Strauss, who was initially left out of the touring squad, could get the nod in the No.2 jumper.

"They aren't long term injuries and we are hoping they will be ready to play this weekend," the Bok coach told reporters on Monday.

"We have to put a succession plan in place."

De Villiers also confirmed that the players involved in Tuesday's clash against Saracens, will be considered for Test selection.

"We have a tight schedule [between the end of the Saracens game and the official Test team announcement], but I have two medical doctors who will be working around the clock to get these players ready. I think both of them will be ready to play this weekend."