The 27-year-old was hurt in the closing stages of Exeter's hard-fought 30-24 Premiership victory over Saracens at the StoneX Stadium last weekend. Medical assessments have since confirmed that an operation is needed, ruling Ikitau out throughout the festive period and into the early months of the new year.
Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter said the club expects Ikitau to be sidelined for around three months, with a return pencilled in after the Premiership Rugby Cup window, which overlaps with the Guinness Six Nations.
"In a tackle against Saracens, Len picked up the injury and it's going to require surgery," Baxter explained. "The good news is that we can get him in for the operation pretty quickly, but unfortunately it does mean he will miss a block of games over Christmas and into the cup competitions."
Ikitau's absence is a major blow for Exeter, who currently sit second in the Premiership. The Wallabies centre has been one of the standout performers of the season, forming a strong midfield partnership with England international Henry Slade and quickly justifying his status as the club's most high-profile summer signing.
Since arriving at Sandy Park on a one-season deal, Ikitau has made five appearances across the Premiership and EPCR Challenge Cup, scoring his first Chiefs try in the recent win over the Cheetahs. His form also followed a busy international season, featuring for Australia against the British and Irish Lions and in the Rugby Championship, and earning a place in the World Rugby Dream Team.
Joe Schmidt believes the Wallabies have taken significant strides during his two-and-a-half years in charge, despite ending his tenure with a modest win record as Australia's head coach.
Australia record their first victory in the Nations Championship with a comfortable win over Italy in Perth, France were too good for Japan in Tokyo while Scotland beat Fiji at Murrayfield.
Rugby Australia (RA) has strengthened its coaching team, announcing that former All Blacks assistant Scott McLeod will join the Wallabies as defence coach.
The Springboks will face long-time rivals the Wallabies in a once-off Test in Perth on September 27, adding another high-profile fixture to an already demanding international calendar.
