Scotland centre Nick de Luca is set to miss the entire Six Nations Championship with an eye injury.
The 28-year-old underwent surgery after suffering a fractured eye socket in training with Edinburgh last month.
Edinburgh expect the player, who started nine of Scotland's 11 matches last season to be out of action for around two months, which would all-but rule him out of the Six Nations.
"Edinburgh Rugby confirmed today that Nick De Luca will be unavailable for selection for around two months, following an operation to a fractured eye socket," his club said in a statement.
"The 38-times capped Scotland centre sustained the injury while training with the club last month however the damage required time to settle for full assessment.
"It was deemed that the operation would be the best course of action to support the quickest return to playing."
Scotland start Six Nations against England at Twickenham on February 2 and conclude their campaign against France on March 16, making highly unlikely De Luca will feature in the tournament.
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