Sutherland look set to be without Steve Smith’s services for the foreseeable future, with the former Australia captain to undergo elbow surgery on Tuesday.
With Smith’s year-long ban for his role in the infamous ball-tampering scandal in South Africa to expire in less than two months, the injury all but ends his hopes of an international recall in March.
Smith will be in a brace for six weeks following the operation but should be fully fit well before Australia start the defence of their World Cup on June 1.
Cricket Australia’s medical team reviewed scans from the ligament injury after Smith was forced to return home from his stint in the Bangladesh Premier League Twenty20 competition.
It is unclear whether the 29-year-old suffered the injury playing grade cricket for Sutherland. Despite being banned from international and domestic cricket, Smith has been able to play grade cricket for his boyhood club during the ban.
The Sharks face last-placed Fairfield-Liverpool this weekend.
Sutherland travel to Rosedale Oval for the two-day, round 10 fixture to be played over Saturday and Sunday.
St George host Sydney at Hurstville Oval.