The player will undergo a fitness test today to determine his involvement in the five-match ODI series against Australia which starts on Friday.

De Villiers hasn’t played any cricket in the past two months due to the impingement syndrome injury that is afflicting his left elbow.

De Villiers was withdrawn from the squad late last week ahead of their one-off ODI against Ireland, which the Proteas won by 204 runs on Sunday.

The team’s manager, Dr Mohammed Moosajee, confirmed that should De Villiers not pass his fitness test today, a date for surgery will be set.

“He will undergo treatment this week with our physiotherapist, Brandon Jackson, and a final call on his availability for the first ODI against Australia will be subject to him passing a fitness test.

“While surgery remains the last option, we hope that the extra time will allow the injury to respond to treatment.”

Surgery would rule De Villiers out of the ODI series against the world champions, as well as the Proteas’ tour to Australia in November.

The first ODI between South Africa and Australia will be played on Friday at SuperSport Park in Centurion.

Morgan Piek/OFM News