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Cape Town - Springbok coach Allister Coetzee will be without the services of flank Marcell Coetzee for the home three-Test series in June against France.
Coetzee, 25, now plying his trade with Ulster in Ireland, was injured in their Pro12 victory over Zebre earlier this month.
According to the BBC website, it was initially feared that Coetzee had ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament, but the diagnosis was not as serious as feared although a cartilage tear will sideline him for four months.
"It really is fantastic news - I think most people were fearing the worst," said Ulster director of rugby Les Kiss.
Coetzee, who has been capped 28 times for the Springboks, has been a standout star for his new team after leaving the Sharks at the end of 2016.
"He has had a tremendous impact since he joined the club, not only on the pitch, but also on the training paddock with his huge work ethic and infectious positive attitude," added Kiss.
"It's a great boost for the club, the supporters and most importantly Marcell himself, that we will see him back in an Ulster jersey at the start of next season.
"I have spoken to Marcell and he's really pleased with the prognosis. I know from the way he faced the challenge of his previous rehab that he will be back even better than before."
The Boks and France will clash at in the first Test at Loftus Versfeld on June 10, followed by matches in Durban (June 17) and Johannesburg (June 24).
