Josh Charnley has been ruled out of Wigan Warriors' Super League opener against Huddersfield Giants on Friday after failing to recover from a hernia operation.
The 22-year-old is expected to return to full fitness in around two weeks.
"It is disappointing to miss the start of the season," Charnley is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News.
"It's been a few weeks without having the ball in my hands. It might be tough for me to get back in the way the wingers have been playing. There is plenty of competition and everyone is fighting for a spot."
Wigan start their campaign against Huddersfield at the DW Stadium.
