Faingaa said Wednesday that he could be sidelined for at least six months but that he was confident of starting the 2014 Super Rugby season for the Reds.
He was not able to play in the Reds' 38-9 playoff loss to the Crusaders two weeks ago due to a hamstring injury, but he had also been hampered by the shoulder problem for much of 2013.
Faingaa had been chosen in Australia's extended 40-man squad ahead of the Rugby Championship. Australia plays New Zealand on Aug. 17 in Sydney to open the tournament.