Cape Town - Springbok loose forward Willem Alberts faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a suspected torn bicep.
Alberts, who currently plies his trade with French club Stade Francais, suffered the injury during their 50-17 European Champions Cup victory against Treviso at the weekend.
He is expected to be out of action for around three months.
Alberts has been laid low by injuries in recent times and also travelled with the Springboks to this year’s Rugby World Cup with a lower back injury.
He eventually recovered to take part in the tournament.
The 31-year-old has played 38 Tests for the Springboks since making his debut in 2010.