Lions captain Warren Whiteley will be sidelined for a lengthy period after suffering a pectoralis major muscle tear.

Whiteley sustained the injury during the Lions’ match against the Stormers at Newlands last Saturday.

He left the field in the 38th minute and was visibly emotional during his post-match interview.

According to Lions doctor Rob Collis, Whiteley’s tendon is intact and he should recover in six to eight weeks.

Photo: Carl Fourie/Gallo Images