Charl Langeveldt will not play for Derbyshire this season after suffering a recurrence of a shoulder injury.
The South African seamer did the damage whilst playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League on May 20.
He immediately returned to his club in South Africa, Cape Cobras, where he was told he would require an operation, which is expected to keep him out for four to five months.
Derbyshire head of cricket John Morris said: "Obviously this is devastating news not just for us but also for Charl and unfortunately there is absolutely nothing we can say or do which will change the outcome.
"The only thing we can do is get on with the season as professionally as possible."
Langeveldt had enjoyed an outstanding county campaign in 2008, taking 55 first-class wickets.
His injury was sustained in the only match he played for the Knight Riders at this year's IPL.
