Lions scrumhalf Ross Cronjé has been ruled out for four weeks after fracturing his cheekbone and nose in last Saturday's warm-up match against the Bulls in Polokwane.

Although it had been initially feared that Cronjé could be out of action for up to two months, the Lions confirmed on Tuesday that he'd be out for just four weeks.

Cronjé is set to undergo an operation on Wednesday, and will miss the Lions' first few Super Rugby games, with the Johannesburg side set to kick off their campaign against the Sunwolves on 27 February.

Photo: Johan Rynners/Gallo Images