Scotland have suffered a major injury blow ahead of the Nations Championship, with former captain Jamie Ritchie expected to miss the entire campaign.
The 30-year-old suffered a knee injury just eight minutes into Glasgow Warriors' clash with the Lions.
Ritchie had been released from Scotland's training camp to make his home debut for Glasgow.
However, his afternoon ended almost as soon as it began.
The back-row forward needed treatment on the pitch before limping off. Ally Miller came on to replace him.
Jamie Ritchie injury latest
Glasgow head coach Franco Smith fears Ritchie has damaged his medial collateral ligament (MCL).
The injury could keep him out for four to six weeks, although the full extent is not yet known.
"It's an MCL injury," Smith said.
"We hope that it's not that serious."
Smith confirmed the likely recovery period when pressed further.
"Yes, it's four to six. It depends. It could be a strain. We don't know the seriousness of it."
That timeframe would almost certainly rule Ritchie out of Scotland's November fixtures.
It is another frustrating setback for the former Scotland captain.
Ritchie struggled with injuries during his time at Perpignan last season.
Glasgow had carefully managed his return, with the back-row forward only making his debut against Benetton last weekend.
Smith admitted the timing was particularly cruel.
"He's just come back from his injury and he's got such a good influence in the club at the moment."
The Glasgow boss hopes Ritchie can return sooner than expected.
"If he's going to recover earlier, fantastic. And Scotland will benefit from it."
For now, Scotland face the prospect of navigating their Nations Championship campaign without one of their most experienced forwards.
READ MORE: Latest Scotland rugby news
