Scotland scrum-half Chris Cusiter is likely to be out of action until the end of the year after dislocating his shoulder.
The Glasgow Warriors man has been told the injury will not require surgery but he will still be sidelined until at the least the middle of December.
That will rule him out of Scotland’s autumn tests against New Zealand, South Africa and Tonga, as well as a number of Glasgow’s RaboDirect Pro 12 and Heineken Cup games.
Scotland head coach Andy Robinson said: “It's disappointing for Chris because he has made such a good start to the season. I wish him a speedy recovery."
His club coach, Gregor Townsend, said that everyone at the Warriors was disappointed to lose the 30-year-old Aberdonian to injury.
Townsend said: “It’s encouraging, though, that he doesn’t need surgery, and we know he’s in the best possible hands with our medical team.
“Chris is a tough competitor, and he’ll be working hard to return to fitness and make a significant contribution to our campaign.”
Henry Pyrgos will start for Glasgow in Friday’s league match with Connacht, while Fijian international scrum half Niko Matawalu will join up with the squad next week following confirmation of his move from Navy Rugby Club in his homeland.
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