The Queensland Reds' pre-season injury crisis has claimed another victim, with veteran prop Greg Holmes ruled out for two months after a routine lineout drill at training went awry.
Holmes tore a ligament in his left thumb at training last week while lifting in a lineout and had surgery on Friday to repair the damage.
The 31-year-old was recovering from a shoulder injury he suffered during the National Rugby Championship and was poised to face the Crusaders in the Reds' second pre-season clash this weekend, but is now unlikely to return until around the start of April.
His absence will compound coach Richard Graham's summer headaches on the back of a recent training mishap that claimed Quade Cooper (collarbone), while a further nine players are also restricted by injury less than two weeks from the start of the Super Rugby season.
"Whilst it's always disappointing to lose a player of Greg's experience, the young front row were outstanding in our pre-season match against the Rebels last night and provide us with a lot of confidence entering the season," Graham said.
"Sam Talakai and Sef Faagase performed well for Brisbane City in the National Rugby Championship and will continue to develop on the back of a strong performance in Cairns last night."
Queensland fielded a depleted side against the Melbourne Rebels on Saturday night in their first proper outing of the year and fell 28-13 to the Melbourne Rebels at Barlow Park in Cairns.
Kiwi recruit Adam Thompson and injured trio James O'Connor, Ben Daley and Ed O'Donoghue are all expected to play in the Reds' next pre-season clash against the Crusaders at Ballymore on Friday night.
But newly-appointed Reds vice-captain Rob Simmons has nerve damage in his shoulder and is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines along with back-up lock Dave McDuling.
Inside centre Ben Tapuai (hamstring), winger Lachie Turner (collarbone) and flanker Ed Quirk (knee) are also out.
The Reds begin their Super Rugby campaign away to the ACT Brumbies on February 13.
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