In a major blow to their tri-series hopes, star all-rounder Jacques Kallis is the latest injured South African cricketer to be sent home from Australia.

Kallis will return to receive treatment for the niggling elbow injury that has troubled him for the past few months.

The injury forced the allrounder to withdraw from Tuesday's loss to Sri Lanka and kept him out of the recent drawn first Test against Australia in Perth.

Inexperienced allrounder Johan van der Wath has been called from South Africa to replace Kallis and if selected, will earn his first international cap.

"In keeping with our player management philosophy, Jacques is going home for treatment so that we can get him fully ready for the return series against Australia in South Africa in February-March," said selector Haroon Lorgat.

"With great interest we have been watching Johan's performances and good form for South Africa A and for the Eagles in the domestic competitions.

"We believe that he has much to offer both now and in the future."

Kallis is the third South African player to return from Australia through injury, following strike bowlers Makhaya Ntini (hamstring strain) and Andre Nel (left foot stress).

Nel has been replaced by paceman Dale Steyn who arrived on Wednesday.

The injury list may get longer on Friday when selectors make a decision on fast bowler Charl Langeveldt (groin).

"If he doesn't show any improvement then they (selectors) will consider sending him home," a team spokesman said.

South Africa selectors said they were confident the injured players would be fit for the home Test series against Australia starting next month.

South Africa currently only has 12 fit players, but that will be boosted to 13 when van der Wath arrives.

The Proteas are preparing for Friday's tri-series match against Australia at Telstra Dome.

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