Australia may have some leadership issues on their European Tour in November with the news captain-in-waiting Stirling Mortlock will miss the opening Test after undergoing knee surgery.
The 29-year-old centre was due to take over the Wallabies' captaincy duties from veteran George Gregan, who has opted to rest from the tour.
However, Mortlock has revealed he is undergoing minor knee surgery this week and will be sidelined for at least six weeks.
'I got a knock (on the knee) during the last All Blacks match and I've just struggled to get on top of it,' explained Mortlock.
'I'm obviously disappointed that I won't be available for the first Test, but I felt that it was better to get the procedure done now so that the injury doesn't affect me throughout the tour.'
And Mortlock is absolutely certain he will only miss the opening Test match of the tour against Wales on November 4 at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.
'It (the surgery) won't hinder my ability to play and it is a positive step because if I had gone on the tour with the injury it would have definitely disrupted my tour,' Mortlock said.
'I have been told to stay off if for two weeks after the surgery, then begin some light physio and work in the gym and, after three weeks, to up the rehab.
'So I will be trying to limit my time off the field to one game, if that.
'But the aim is to be fit for the second Test on the tour, against Italy.'
Meanwhile, Australia's second vice-captain, lock Daniel Vickerman, is also on the injury list after having an arthroscope on his shoulder last week.
While the surgery is not expected to prevent Vickerman from touring it could throw the captaincy duties up in the air should the big lock, who is expected to lead Australia against Wales, be sidelined.
'Daniel is absolutely certain to tour,' said Wallabies communication manager Michael Earsman.
'And he will take over the captaincy duties should Stirlo (Mortlock) not be able to play.
'Stirling was considered the senior vice-captain but Vickers is next in line for captain.
'Nathan Sharpe has captained Australia, so he is another candidate should another happen (to Vickerman).'
The Wallabies' 37-man Spring Tour squad will be announced on Tuesday October 3, with the team to depart for Europe on October 27.
