Sports Desk Reporter
Springbok scrumhalf Morné van den Berg is expected to miss several months of action after undergoing surgery on a bicep injury this week.
Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen confirmed during a team media briefing in Dublin that the player had gone under the knife and faces a recovery period of around four to six months.
He said the procedure had been successful, but warned that Van den Berg would be out for an extended spell as he begins rehabilitation.
The setback comes as a blow to both the player and the South Africa national rugby union team, where he has been part of the wider scrumhalf mix in recent seasons.
Van den Berg is now expected to focus on recovery and structured rehab under medical supervision, with a return likely only later in the season depending on his progress.
The Lions are yet to confirm how they will adjust their halfback options during his absence.