Springboks star Canan Moodie has been ruled out of the Bulls' Champions Cup opener against Stade Français following a head injury.
The 23-year-old will miss Saturday's clash at Loftus Versfeld after being placed under head injury assessment (HIA) protocols.
Moodie suffered the setback during the Bulls' emphatic 57-15 victory over the Lions in the United Rugby Championship last weekend.
The versatile back collided with Lions forward Siba Mahashe and was forced off early in the second half.
He had already scored a try before leaving the field.
The news is a blow for Bulls head coach Johan Ackermann, who must now reshuffle his backline ahead of the European opener.
Bulls suffer double setback
Moodie is not the only player causing Ackermann problems.
Fellow winger Cheswill Jooste has also been struggling with illness, leaving the Bulls short of options out wide.
Stravino Jacobs, Sebastian de Klerk and Dylan Maart are among those who could come into the side.
The Bulls are expected to announce their team on Thursday.
There is better news elsewhere, with scrum-half Embrose Papier returning to training following a lengthy absence with an ankle injury.
However, hooker Akker van der Merwe remains sidelined with a calf problem.
The Bulls had named 14 Springboks in their 42-man Champions Cup squad earlier this week.
Springboks injury concern
Moodie's absence will also be watched closely by South Africa, with the autumn international window approaching.
The winger has become an important option for Rassie Erasmus thanks to his pace, aerial ability and versatility.
He was previously included in Erasmus' updated 43-man Springboks squad, having returned from an earlier injury setback.
Moodie also featured in the Bulls' URC final against Leinster, underlining his importance to the Pretoria side.
For now, there is no confirmed date for his return.
His availability will depend on completing the required return-to-play protocols.
The Bulls face Stade Français on Saturday, 17 October, as they begin their Investec Champions Cup campaign.
Have your say: How big a loss is Canan Moodie for the Bulls?
