Scotland forward Johnnie Beattie is set to spend six months on the sidelines as he needs shoulder surgery.
The 24-year-old could miss half a year after going under the knife in Edinburgh this week, though he is yet hopeful that that time can be cut short.
He will definitely miss Scotland’s autumn clashes with New Zealand, South Africa and Samoa but is eyeing being available for the 2011 RBS 6 Nations.
His Glasgow Warriors team-mate James Eddie must also have surgery on a shoulder knock, leaving the Magners League side without two important men as the new season fast approaches.
Beattie, who needs the surgery to be fully fit for next year’s World Cup after being troubled by the shoulder problem for some time, told Glasgow’s official website: "It's probably too early to say definitively how long I'll be out.
"Prior to the operation, the surgeon is talking about a six-month window to get back but that's quite cautious and if I regain the strength at the same level as my right shoulder then it should be sooner."
Scotland A back row Eddie dislocated his left shoulder in training last week and Warriors head coach Sean Lineen says the double blow is now a chance for younger players to stake a claim.
"We wish both Johnnie and James a speedy recovery and we're grateful for the expert medical attention they are receiving,” said Lineen.
"Currently there are a number of bumps and bruises within the camp. Happily, however, our physiotherapists are confident that the vast majority of players on the treatment bench at the moment will be fit for our first Magners League game against Leinster in September."