The Stormers have lost Gio Aplon and Duane Vermeulen for this weekend's Round 10 Super Rugby match against the Force in Perth.

Both Aplon and Vermeulen are on their way back to South Africa and will not play again on tour.

The Stormers have a timely bye in Round 11 which will give their injured players time to heal.

Aplon has a hamstring injury and is likely to be replaced by former Bulls winger Gerhard van der Heever.

Vermeulen's leg injury means that the Stormers have lost their fourth captain after having lost Schalk Burger, Jean de Villers and Andries Bekker.

Vermeulen's injury is a big loss for the Stormers pack as their forwards are dropping by the week.

One report suggests that Vermeulen might only return after Super Rugby takes a break in June which rules him out of contention for the Springboks three matches against England.

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee has the option of playing Nick Koster at No 8 this weekend where he will likely go up against Wallaby No.8 Richard Brown.

Andries Bekker missed the Reds clash and could come back into contention for this week's match and if he does come back he will most likely be named captain again.

Western Province flank Don Armand and centre Berton Klaasen have flown to Perth on Monday to link up with the touring group.

In a press release the Stormers said lock Eben Etzebeth's shoulder injury was being managed and a call on his availability would only be made at their last training session.

Andries Bekker is, however, expected to make a return to the team this week against the Force.

"Injuries are part of the game" said Stormers coach Allister Coetzee.

"As a squad you have to be able to handle them. It's something we have spoken about often.

"This week it's the Force and regardless of who we select, we will need to again be at our best to take the points.

"It is a big game for us as a win will mean a very successful tour.

"There is a lot of motivation in this group to achieve that and we will be going all out."