Bristol Bears centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg has been ruled out for the next three weeks following his frightening collision with Henry Pollock.
The England international was stretchered off during Bristol Bears' 48-29 victory over Northampton Saints last weekend.
Janse van Rensburg appeared to collide head-first with Pollock's knee during the Gallagher PREM encounter.
Medical staff rushed onto the pitch before the centre was taken off on a stretcher.
Fortunately, he was later seen walking and speaking to teammates.
Pat Lam confirms injury setback
Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam has now confirmed the 29-year-old will miss the next two matches.
Speaking to RugbyPass, Lam explained why the club would not rush his return.
"Benhard will probably take the next three weeks off. So he'll come back from HIA protocols.
"It was a big knock, so he'll miss this week, the following week, and should be back for Round 4 of the PREM."
Lam also stressed the importance of putting player welfare first.
"I was pleased when they told me he needs to have at least a few weeks off."
England star facing spell on sidelines
The injury means Janse van Rensburg will miss Bristol's trip to Saracens this weekend.
He is also set to sit out their Champions Cup meeting with the Stormers in Cape Town.
However, Lam hopes to have him available for the PREM clash against Exeter Chiefs on October 24.
It is another setback for the midfielder, who suffered a similar head injury while representing England against Argentina earlier this year.
The latest incident comes ahead of England's autumn internationals, with Steve Borthwick preparing to name his squad later this month.
For now, Bristol's priority is ensuring Janse van Rensburg makes a full recovery.
