Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman is set to miss the upcoming Boxing Day Test match in Centurion against South Africa after aggravating his knee injury.

According to ESPNcricinfo, Zaman — who is currently out of action due to trouble with his right knee — will stay on the sidelines for a further three to five weeks.

The 28-year-old suffered the injury while attempting a run out during the second T20I against Australia in October. Despite complaining about the injury, Zaman continued to feature in Pakistan side for five more games.

He will join Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)’s medical team at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore on December 4 — where a plan for his rehabilitation will be chalked out.

Pakistan will have to look for other options to replace Zaman — who made 94 and 68 runs on his Test debut in October against Australia —which is why likes of Shan Masood and Azhar Ali will come back into the mix as possible replacements. Pakistan could also persist with the same set of openers — Mohammad Hafeez and Imamul Haq — who are currently opening in Tests for Pakistan against New Zealand.  

The Men in Green will play three Tests, five ODIs and three T20Is during the upcoming tour of South Africa.