Australia have been dealt a huge blow ahead of their upcoming Test series against the British and Irish Lions with the news that Scott Higginbotham will miss the remainder of 2013 through injury.

The Melbourne Rebels man, who is a key player for the Wallabies, dislocated his right shoulder playing against the Queensland Reds on Saturday in the Super Rugby.

The 26-year-old, who has been in top form as of late, now requires full shoulder reconstruction surgery due to the ligament damage.

A statement from the ARU read: "Higginbotham has returned to Melbourne where he will undergo the surgery.

"The rehabilitation timelines are such that he is not expected to be fit to return to play until the start of next year's Super Rugby competition.

"Higginbotham has requested time out from the media until such time as the surgery has been completed and the rehabilitation process is underway."

Higginbotham has played 23 Tests for Australia.