Vodacom Bulls lock Victor Matfield will have surgery to remove cartilage from his injured knee.

As a result, he will be sidelined for three to four weeks.

According to a Bulls press release, the 37-year-old could have played the season without undergoing the procedure, but the decision was made as a precautionary measure building towards the World Cup.

'The idea is to get it done now to avoid problems going forward – especially with the World Cup getting closer,' said Bulls doctor Org Strauss.

Matfield sustained the injury during the Bulls' round-seven match against the Crusaders.

Photo: Anne Laing/HSM Images