Cape Town - Lions centre Harold Vorster is set to miss the rest of the Super Rugby season after suffering a knee injury in their win over the Chiefs in Hamilton at the weekend.
Vorster flew home on Sunday after injuring the anterior cruciate ligaments in his left knee.
It is a big blow for the promising 22-year-old, who many have touted as a future Springbok.
He also missed a large part of last year’s Currie Cup campaign with the same injury to his left knee.
An injury report released by the Lions said Vorster will see a specialist on Tuesday but he is not expected back in action until October.
Meanwhile, loose forward Fabian Booysen, who has a frontal sinus fracture, will also see a specialist on Tuesday to arrange a reconstruction. He is expected to be out for about six weeks.
Centre Lionel Mapoe also flew home after the Chiefs game to be at his girlfriend’s side for the birth of their baby, with centre Jacques Nel flown over to New Zealand as a replacement.
The Lions tackle the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday (08:35 SA time).