Hogg was struck down with the problem after returning from Edinburgh’s Heineken Cup defeat to Bath last weekend with doctors telling him he needs surgery to fix the problem.

The 26-year-old appeared in every single Edinburgh match last season but was overlooked by Scotland coach Andy Robinson for the autumn internationals against Australia, Fiji and Argentina.

But Moffat believes overworking Hogg – who has made 48 appearances for Scotland – isn’t the reason why he has been forced onto the treatment table.

“Ally has suffered a tear in a muscle in his hip and requires an operation,” said Moffat.

“It means he will be out of action for six months and so will not be available for selection for the Six Nations campaign.

“Ally was involved down in Bath and could have played again this week – in fact, he really wanted to play. But the club decided he should undergo surgery as soon as possible.

“It shows you have to manage players. Last season Ally played really well and there was no sign of him being worn out. He then played for the Scotland sevens squad after the main season.”