Injured South African fast bowler Mfuneko Ngam could be out of action for up to 12 weeks because of a broken thigh bone.

The South African team's physiotherapist Craig Smith diagnosed the 21-year-old as having a stress fracture of the right femur.

"Ngam will need six to eight weeks to recover and another three to four to regain his strength," added South African board communications manager Bronwyn Wilkinson.

The injury means Ngam - whose quickest deliveries were timed at 147 kph in his three tests - could miss South Africa's tour of the West Indies, starting on 1 March.

Donald's problems continue

Ngam has suffered three stress fractures in as many years, and Smith said his "skeletal strength" was lacking due to a "dietary or genetic insufficiency".

Wilkinson said opener Gary Kirsten, who missed Tuesday's one-day international against Sri Lanka in Paarl, had broken a bone in his left hand and would be out for a month.

Paceman Roger Telemachus' was rated as "90% fit" after his stiff neck and would be considered for Thursday's one-dayer against Sri Lanka in Cape Town.

Fast bowler Allan Donald, suffering from an abscess in his elbow, would be re-assessed after Thursday's match.