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Larkham in doubt for rest of Cup
Australia fly half Stephen Larkham is in doubt for the rest of the World Cup after undergoing a second knee operation.
Larkham was hoping to play against Canada this weekend after making a swift recovery from surgery last week but suffered a setback at training on Monday.
Australia coach John Connolly said Larkham was taken to a Montpellier hospital for arthoscopic surgery after his right knee became infected.
"Stephen Larkham spent the night in hospital. His knee's flared up and he's got a small infection," Connolly told reporters on Tuesday.
"We hope to get him out (of the hospital) tomorrow. He definitely won't be considered for this weekend or the weekend after."
Larkham's latest setback means he will miss Australia's last Pool B match against Canada in Bordeaux on Saturday and the quarter-final against England or Tonga in Marseille a week later.
The earliest he might resume playing is in the semi-finals in Paris in mid-October, if Australia get that far and the injury heals.
"I've spoken to the medical staff and they really can't say when he'll be fit to play," Connolly said.
"We know we won't have him for the quarter-final but if all goes well he may be available the following week.
"He's very disappointed, obviously, because he was coming along quite well. He's one of our most experienced players and very much in our plans."
Larkham, 33, has been plagued by knee injuries in recent seasons and plans to retire from international rugby after the World Cup.
He played in Australia's opening game against Japan but injured his knee at training on the eve of their second match against Wales and was replaced by Berrick Barnes, who was uncapped before the World Cup.
"You would have to say Berrick would be favourite to start at this stage, but we do have a couple of options so we'll sit down and discuss that after the game on Saturday," Connolly said.
"It's a big ask for a 21-year-old but Berrick did an outstanding job against Wales in a pressure situation a fortnight ago."
copy/pasted in full from: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2...26/2043375.htm