Warren Whiteley has not been cleared by the Lions medical team to join the squad in Australia.

Whiteley, who suffered cruciate ligament damage against the Blues at the start of last month, returned to training on Monday.

During training, the No 8 felt a ‘click’ in the same knee, and after it swelled up overnight, he was sent for another scan on Tuesday.

On Thursday, the Lions confirmed he would be sidelined for a while longer.

‘Warren Whiteley has not been medically cleared by the medical team and will not join the Lions on tour until he is medically cleared,’ a short statement said.

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