The Springboks and Sale Sharks have been dealt a massive blow with news that Faf de Klerk could be out of action for up to five months due to a hip injury.

De Klerk sustained the injury in the second Test against the British & Irish Lions on 31 July, but came back to play in the Boks’ four Rugby Championship matches against the All Blacks and Wallabies.

Upon his return to the Sale Sharks earlier this month, it was discovered that the 30-year-old scrumhalf’s injury had not gone away, which resulted in the club sending him for scans in London last week, according to the Daily Mail.

It now appears that the extent of the injury is so severe that rest and physiotherapy alone will not be enough to make a full recovery and that corrective surgery is required.

De Klerk’s operation is reportedly scheduled to take place before the end of October, meaning he will not return to action until 2022.