Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Emille Baron will miss the World Cup finals after being told his injured shoulder needs surgery.
The 30-year-old, who was in the running for the host nation's No1 jersey, suffered the injury in training with the squad in Brazil last month.
It was initially hoped he would heal in time for the soccer showpiece starting in June, but doctors recommended surgery last week, and have now told Baron and Supersport United that he will not be able to play until July.
Baron, who previously played at Norwegian club Lillestrom, has six caps for South Africa and returned to the national squad after a six-year hiatus.
He also helped Supersport win the South African championship for a third successive year.
Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.