The South African all-rounder is doubtful for Friday's Test because of a painful elbow.
Gibbs sprained his ankle during a training session in Pretoria before the team's departure for Sri Lanka.
South Africa could be without a recognised spinner for the first Test against England starting in Port Elizabeth on Friday.
South Africa off-spinner Dane Piedt says it took a lot out of him to play cricket again after suffering a career-threatening shoulder dislocation last year.
