Fremantle midfielder Nat Fyfe will undergo shoulder surgery later this week, ruling him out of the early part of the AFL club’s pre-season.

Fyfe strained the AC joint in his right shoulder last week while playing a warm-up game for the International Rules series, with a specialist advising Fremantle that minor surgery is necessary.

The 23-year-old has a history of problems with his left shoulder, but the Dockers are hopeful the injury to his right shoulder won’t cause future problems.

Fremantle released a statement saying the injury and surgery won’t have a significant impact on Fyfe’s pre-season campaign.

Fyfe was unable to take his place in Australia’s star-studded side as they recorded a 10-point win over Ireland in Perth on Saturday.