The Springboks were dealt a heavy blow ahead of the World Cup on Monday, with news that Marcell Coetzee has been ruled out of the tournament.
The flanker, who played at No.8 in their 24-18 win over Argentina last weekend, left the field with a concussion and wasn't included in coach Rassie Erasmus's 36-man squad that is currently in a camp in Bloemfontein.
But it isn't the concussion keeping him out of the tournament, with the Boks confirming: "Marcell Coetzee will undergo ankle surgery on Wednesday.
"The Ulster looseforward hurt his ankle and suffered a blow to the head in the first half of the Springboks’ 24-18 victory over Argentina in Pretoria.
"Coetzee will be out of action for up to 12 weeks, which means he is also ruled out of contention for selection for the Boks squad."
Coetzee isn't the only player that will miss the trip to Japan.
SURPLUS: Andre Esterhuizen. Photo: Willem Loock/BackpagePix.
Erasmus on Monday also sent props Lizo Gqoboka and Thomas du Toit, lock Marvin Orie and centre Andre Esterhuizen back to their provincial unions, leaving only 32 men in his camp.
TIME'S UP: Flyhalf Damian Willemse. Photo: Chris Ricco/BackpagePix.
The final Bok squad for Japan will be named next Monday and it also looks certain to be the end of the road for Damian Willemse, who also recently returned from injury, Aphiwe Dyantyi and Warren Whiteley, who are both still sidelined through injury.
Willemse played 30 minutes in his comeback match for Western Province against Griquas last weekend, with WP assistant coach Norman Laker admitting that they are still on feedback from the medical team to see if he can start against the Cheetahs on Saturday or not.
Bok squad
Forwards:
Schalk Brits, Lood de Jager, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Rynhardt Elstadt, Eben Etzebeth, Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, Francois Louw, Frans Malherbe, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Tendai Mtawarira, Franco Mostert, Trevor Nyakane, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Duane Vermeulen.
Backs:
Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Faf de Klerk, Warrick Gelant, Elton Jantjies, Herschel Jantjies, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Makazole Mapimpi, Sbu Nkosi, Willie le Roux, Handré Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Frans Steyn.