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Layoff: South Africa's Jean de Villiers. Gallo Images
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Jean De Villiers is facing a real fight to be fit for the World Cup next year

The former Munster man suffered a horrific looking knee injury in Cardiff.

SOUTH AFRICA CAPTAIN Jean de Villiers could miss the 2015 Rugby World Cup after being told he requires surgery on an injured knee.

The experienced centre left the field just short of the hour mark during the Springboks 12-6 defeat to Wales in Cardiff on Saturday twisting his left knee and dislocating the patella.

Subsequent scans revealed significant ligament damage and the 33-year-old was assessed by an orthopaedic surgeon upon his return to South Africa today.

The specialist advised that De Villiers would require a “surgical reconstruction of the knee”.

Team doctor Craig Roberts said: ”We are currently consulting with the best specialists in South Africa to determine the best way to approach the surgery as there are potentially a few options available.

“It’s imperative that the best course of action is decided on so that Jean can start recovery and rehabilitation as soon as possible to give him the best chance to be fit for the World Cup.

“At this stage it’s still difficult to determine how long he will be out of action, but it would probably be at least eight months.”

The World Cup begins in England on 18 September.

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