Jonah Lomu's attempted comeback to top-class rugby, following a kidney transplant, has struck a hurdle.
The giant wing will undergo ankle surgery next week to remove a bone spur in a potential setback to his hopes of completing Martin Johnson's testimonial match at Twickenham on June 4.
Lomu's doctor, John
Mayhew, last night said the operation would in no way affect the comeback plans.
However, there would be recuperation time during which Lomu would be limited to upper-body work and light cycling.
"He'll be back in full training in a couple of weeks. It's not much of a hiccup at all. It's really quite minor," said Dr Mayhew.
"He could have played without it being done."
Spurs, or bony growths which lead to inflammation, form after repeated injuries. They cause pain and reduced movement.
Lomu's camp issued a press release last night in response to Herald inquiries about the injury. Dr Mayhew was upset that a private health matter had been "leaked".
Lomu spokeswoman Bridget Abernethy said Lomu and his manager wife Fiona wanted to ensure there was no misinformed speculation.
The release, read to the Herald, stated that the operation was "timed to ensure his preparations for the comeback game on June 4 are unimpeded". The injury was diagnosed in 2001. Planned surgery in 2003 was cancelled because of Lomu's deteriorating kidney.
The news will increase speculation that Lomu - whose last full season was in 2002 - faces a tough time realising his dream despite the successful transplant nearly seven months ago.
It highlights problems he faces being injury free and fit to handle the increasing demands of the game after a nearly three-year absence.
