The Wallabies have suffered a double injury blow ahead of their Rugby Championship clash with Argentina with stalwarts Adam Ashley-Cooper and Wycliff Palu ruled out.

Vice-captain Ashley-Cooper will just miss a week with an ongoing neck problem while bullocking No.8 Palau suffered a head knock in the 24-23 win over South Africa in Perth.

While Palu was replaced by Scott Higginbotham, who now looks certain to start against the Pumas, Ashley-Cooper played out the 80 minutes on the wing at Paterson Stadium.

The 97-Test back has been managing a nerve compression injury to his neck which was exacerbated against the Springboks.

Peter Betham and Joe Tomane appear to be the most likely wing options for Saturday night’s clash at Gold Coast’s Cbus Super Stadium with Henry Speight still yet to recover from his hamstring problem.

“It’s disappointing to lose two experienced members of our squad ahead of what is an extremely important game against Argentina,” said coach Ewen McKenzie said.

“However, this year we’ve taken a proactive approach to making early decisions around guys carrying injuries, which is the case here.

“As is always the case with sport, the next guy in line now gets a chance to step-up and take advantage of the opportunity they’ll be given.”

McKenzie has called Queensland Reds No.8 Jake Schatz into camp as an additional training squad member, joining halfback Will Genia, hooker Saia Faingaa and NSW prop Benn Robinson.