Scotland centre Nick de Luca is set to miss the entire Six Nations Championship with an eye injury.
The 28-year-old underwent surgery after suffering a fractured eye socket in training with Edinburgh last month.
Edinburgh expect the player, who started nine of Scotland's 11 matches last season to be out of action for around two months, which would all-but rule him out of the Six Nations.
"Edinburgh Rugby confirmed today that Nick De Luca will be unavailable for selection for around two months, following an operation to a fractured eye socket," his club said in a statement.
"The 38-times capped Scotland centre sustained the injury while training with the club last month however the damage required time to settle for full assessment.
"It was deemed that the operation would be the best course of action to support the quickest return to playing."
Scotland start Six Nations against England at Twickenham on February 2 and conclude their campaign against France on March 16, making highly unlikely De Luca will feature in the tournament.
Comments
Michtymauler says...
Thank goodness he's gone at last! Lol It's been amazing the amount of selections after producing lacklustre displays! Johnson has an opportunity to take a chance and play da yout in the back line!! Lets face it, there's no one else to play! Lol Jonny Beattie must also be up for a start!! The in form players must be played. He's been motm the past few games.. And Galthie has nothing but praise for him..
Posted 14:16 12th January 2013
atg77 says...
Probably a blessing in surprise. Surely Hogg must step into the Outside centre role... as if three tries there against Munster in Limrick last season wasn't enough evidence. I don't know what Gregor Townsend has been smoking at Glasgow to think that Hogg isn't even worthy of a start...
Posted 12:15 12th January 2013
scot_rsa says...
Another player who kept getting selected but got no better. Time for Alex Dunbar if he is fit. Or Hogg possibly. Let's try at least.
melkdave - know what you mean about Ford. If Stevie Scott can't sort him it is time McArthur got a chance. We just lack leadership right now so Ford will get retained to help there. Expect to see Beattie back at 8 and Laidlaw at 9. Change coming faster now and I don't think we'll see NDL again.
Posted 22:38 11th January 2013
melkdave says...
Might be a blessing in disguise for Scotland tbh,i feel S.Hogg,or A.Grove would do alot better job at OC ,allowing Maitland to play 15 and M.Evans to add more pace on the wings with T.Visser.Aways felt N.deLuca is a trifle light defensively.Scotlands forwards though really do need to step up this year.I woud drop R.Ford,his lineout has been terrible for quite along time,andhis loose play is also lackig ,as heseems to have absolutelty,no go forward or pace this season.
Posted 20:25 11th January 2013
Jp07 says...
Nope. Should force brave selections for once
Posted 19:26 11th January 2013
carpelone says...
Will he be missed?
Posted 16:01 11th January 2013