The Toyota Cheetahs will have to do without Heinrich Brussow for the opening rounds of their 2014 Super Rugby season after the loose forward tore a ligament in his toe.

According to Die Burger website, the Springbok flank, who was due to return to the Toyota Cheetahs to take part in this year's Super Rugby competition, sustained the injury while playing his first season for Japanese club Docomo Red Hurricanes.

The 27-year-old flank will be on the injury list for three months after he undergoes an operation on his injured toe in South Africa on Saturday.

The injury could deal a heavy blow to Brussow's Springbok aspirations this year as the forward has fallen out of favour with Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer and he won't take part in the Currie Cup in 2014 due to commitments with his Japanese club.

The openside flank will miss the first six matches of the Toyota Cheetahs' Super Rugby season and will only be available for coach Naka Drotske after the team's overseas tour.

It will be the second consecutive year the Toyota Cheetahs will have to make do without Brussow for part of their Super Rugby campaign after he suffered a shoulder injury that ruled him out for five months in 2013.

"It is a huge blow to lose Hein for the beginning of the season. He is a world-class player," Drotske said.

"Fortunately, we have depth at loose forward."

Drotske was confident his loose forward stocks consisting of Lappies Labuschagne, Philip van der Walt, Frans Viljoen, Boom Prinsloo and talented youngster Jean Cook, would be able to cover for Brussow in his absence.

The Toyota Cheetahs begin their season with home games against the Lions (Saturday, February 15 at 17:05) and the Bulls (Friday, February 21 at 19:10), followed by games against the Rebels (Friday, February 28 at 10:40), Reds (Friday, March 7 at 10:40), Hurricanes (Saturday, March 15 at 05:35) and Blues (Saturday, March 22 at 08:35) on their overseas tour.