COBUS VISAGIE is almost certain to go under the knife to repair his troublesome left elbow.

The powerful Saracens tight-head prop broke down in agony after dislocating it during South Africa training earlier this week, ending his World Cup hopes and probably his Springboks career.

Saracens have been in contact with the South Africa medical team and early indications point to surgery for the 33-year-old.

That would force him to miss at least' the first month of Saracens' new Guinness Premiership campaign.

Visagie twice experienced problems with the same elbow last season, forcing him to miss several matches.

"Cobus will be out for us for at least the first month of the season," confirmed Saracens boss Alan Gaffney. "We suspect it's the same injury he has suffered a few times for us last season and the probability of surgery is significant at this present time."

Gaffney will also be without Visagie's understudy, Cencus Johnston for the start of the new campaign as the bustling forward aims to help Samoa cause a few upsets at the World Cup in France.

Young props Tom Mercey, 20 and Aaron Liffchak, 22, will be given a chance to shine instead.