South Sydney backrower Sam Burgess will have to wait at least another week before making his return from injury, after the Englishman was ruled out of Friday night's NRL clash with Manly in Gosford.

Rabbitohs coach John Lang on Tuesday named Burgess in his side to face the Sea Eagles, raising hope the big forward could make an earlier-than-expected return after injuring his troublesome shoulder in the opening-round loss to Sydney Roosters.

But Burgess will be given more time to recover, with fullback Rhys Wesser to also miss Friday's game with a hamstring problem.

"It would have been good to have him back but we knew it was only a question mark as to whether we'd have him back," captain Roy Asotasi said.

"We weren't expecting him back for another three weeks so we'd rather just let Sammy be 100 per cent rather than half guessing if he's right or not."

Asotasi was hopeful Burgess could be right for the following week, as Souths are in the same boat as many clubs and are already battling a hefty injury and suspension toll.

"I'm hoping so, we've been pretty unlucky but the injury toll at all clubs has been pretty bad," Asotasi said.

"We're hoping that whoever comes into the side can do the job."

Winger Nathan Merritt is the leading candidate to fill in for Wesser at the back, while Test and Queensland veteran Michael Crocker will most likely move into the starting side for Burgess.

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