Australia fast bowler Stuart Clark has been forced out of the first Test against South Africa in Perth beginning on Wednesday.

Clark completed Sunday's training session, but felt soreness in his right elbow, and is now expected to return home to Sydney to have surgery.

After being 12th man in the last Test against Adelaide, Victorian paceman Peter Siddle will come into the squad and will fly out to join the team on Sunday evening.

Clark missed the second Test against India in October due to the elbow injury but returned to play the remaining two Tests on the tour.