South African selector Mike Procter said it would be tough to select Herschelle Gibss for the ODI's against Australia.

The 34-year-old is currently undergoing a month-long alcohol rehabilitation programme in Cape Town after breaking a team curfew during the Proteas' recent series victory over Bangladesh.

Gibbs will only complete his time at the rehab centre on January 8, three days before South Africa face Australia in a Twenty20 international, and Procter admits that the selectors will think twice before making a decision.

"It's going to be very difficult to select him," he told the Cape Times. "I want to speak to people, both cricket people and people at the rehab centre, when he completes the programme, to see how he has progressed.

"I'm going to speak to Shane Jabaar (team physio) to check on his conditioning when Gibbs returns from rehab.

"We will take everything into account before we make our final decision."

The flamboyant opener has been a regular in the South African one-day team despite losing his place in the Test squad at the beginning of 2008.

The batsman, who signed a three-month contract with English county side Glamorgan in November, has struggled on the domestic front this season, playing in three MTN Domestic Championship matches for the Cobras with a highest score of 32.