Clermont full-back Nick Abendanon out for up to three months

Nick Abendanon faces up to three months on the sidelines due to groin surgery, Clermont have confirmed.

The 2015 European Player of the Year has been out of action since January 8 and his absence has been sorely felt by the Top 14 side.

Clermont were eliminated from the European Cup at the weekend, failing to make the quarter-finals after finishing bottom of their pool.

They will also be without centre Benson Stanley for up to six weeks after the he required surgery on a long-term groin problem.

South Africa-born Abendanon joined Clermont in February 2014 after eight years with Bath.