Holmes is expected to be sidelined for nine weeks © Getty Images

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Queensland Reds prop Greg Holmes will be sidelined for up to nine weeks after he tore a ligament in his thumb during a Reds training session earlier this week. The Reds have reported that Holmes tore the ligament while performing a lift during a lineout drill during training and underwent surgery on Friday to repair the ligament.

Holmes was making his return to the side after a shoulder injury sidelined him during the National Rugby Championship last year and he was expected to make his return to the side against the Crusaders for their final preseason trial next week.

Reds head coach Richard Graham said it would be hard to replace the 31-year-old, but it would allow for younger props in the squad to further develop.

"Whilst it's always disappointing to lose a player of Greg's experience, the young front row were outstanding in our pre-season match against the Rebels last night and provide us with a lot of confidence entering the season," Graham said.

"Sam Talakai and Sef Faagase performed well for Brisbane City in the National Rugby Championship and will continue to develop on the back of a strong performance in Cairns last night."

The Reds already lost experienced playmaker Quade Cooper to a training accident two weeks ago with the experienced fly-half expected to be sidelined for at least 10 weeks with a fractured collarbone, and a further nine players are also placed on the injury list.

Newly appointed vice-captain Rob SImmons has nerve damage in his shoulder and is set for a lengthy spell on the sideline, while back-up lock Dave McDuling is also out with injury. Inside centre Ben Tapuai (hamstring), winger Lachie Turner (collarbone) and flanker Ed Quirk (knee) are also on the injury list.

However, Graham said this week's trial match is likely to see the return of injured players Ben Daley, Ed O'Donoghue and James O'Connor and the introduction of All Blacks loose forward Adam Thomson.