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Quade Cooper looks for support against the All Blacks at Eden Park during the 2011 Tri Nations. - Source: Photosport -
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Australia five-eighth Quade Cooper will miss the rest of the Rugby Championship due to a knee injury.
Cooper underwent scans on his right knee in Brisbane on Tuesday which revealed a small chip of articular cartilage which will require surgery.
It is the same knee which was operated on after last year's world cup but, according to a Wallabies statement, the injury is not long-term and the enigmatic Cooper is expected to be available for Australia's spring tour of France, England, Italy and Wales in November.
"It is not a long-term injury and so may not rule Cooper out of the Wallabies Spring Tour in November," team officials said in a statement.
"A decision on the flyhalf's availability for that trip will be made once his rehabilitation is underway."
Cooper said on his Twitter account he was remaining positive.
"Don't dwell on the so called negatives in life..I'm very grateful for everyone's support & for the way ya all keep help me stay positive.." he tweeted.
The injury compounds a troublesome season for Cooper. He put in one of his worst Test efforts of his 38-cap career in the Wallabies' come-from-behind win over Argentina last Saturday night on the Gold Coast.
The Queensland playmaker made a string of errors that contributed to Australia trailing 19-6 before they rallied late to win 23-19.
Cooper also missed the Reds' Super Rugby qualifying final defeat in July due to suspension.
His recovery from the ACL injury suffered in the bronze medal world cup playoff against Wales meant he was unavailable for much of the Super Rugby season.
Ironically, Wallabies coach Robbie Deans said after the win over the Pumas that injury worries within the squad were likely to spare Cooper the axe following his below par performance.
Australia's squad for their final two Rugby Championship Tests in South Africa and Argentina will be named on Wednesday.