WP Nel is unlikely to recover from a fractured arm in time to play any part in Scotland’s Six Nations campaign.
The Edinburgh tighthead prop suffered the injury in Scotland’s opening autumn Test match against Samoa last month.
Nel, who has won 19 caps and scored two international tries, is not expected to be fit to play for at least 12 weeks.
And although he will likely return to action before Scotland’s final two matches against Ireland and Italy, a lack of match practice means he is unlikely to be considered for selection.
Scotland open their Six Nations away to Wales on 3 February before hosting France eight days later.
England visit Scotland on 24 February then the Scots travel to face Ireland on 10 March before finishing the championship away to Italy on 17 March.