Shoulder surgery keeps Alasdair Dickison in the sidelines

As a fresh blow to Scotland international Alasdair Dickinson's chances of making a comeback, a surgery on his shoulder is expected to keep him on the sidelines for several more months.

The 33-year-old was stretchered off the field while representing his club Edinburgh in March during the Pro 12 game against Ospreys. Even though, Dickinson managed to make a comeback, he suffered another hamstring injury during the opening game of Scotland's tour of Japan at the Toyota City Stadium that hampered his progress.

A statement released by Edinburgh revealed that the loosehead prop has underwent a surgery to address his shoulder issue that was diagnosed recently.

"Prop Alasdair Dickinson continues on a course of rehab from a foot injury suffered last season," read the statement from the Pro 14 club.

"During the rehabilitation period, a shoulder issue was discovered and it was deemed appropriate to resolve that with surgery to allow a smooth transition back to rugby around December time.

"Wing Duhan van der Merwe (hip) and centre Mark Bennett (knee) are also scheduled to return before the new year.

"Props Allan Dell (back) and Rory Sutherland (groin) face less of a wait and are expected to return in October and November respectively."