Star South Sydney forward Glenn Stewart has been ruled out for up to three months with a thumb injury.
Stewart suffered the injury during last week’s 30-22 loss to the Raiders, with scans on Monday confirming he had torn a tendon and would require surgery.
He is expected to miss between 10-12 weeks.
The 31-year-old’s setback is a huge blow to the Rabbitohs, who have lost their past three matches amidst a growing injury toll.
Halfback Adam Reynolds (knee), backrower Kyle Turner (neck), and key utility John Sutton (jaw) are all nursing injuries, while centre Dylan Walker (knee) and Luke Keary (foot) have withdrawn from the City side to face Country in Wagga Wagga on Sunday.