Cardiff Blues centre Willis Halaholo will undergo another surgery on his knee this week and is set for another spell on the sidelines after missing most of the last year.
The 30-year-old suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament against Munster in November 2019 and only made his return against Zebre at the start of this season. He then sat out the games against Ulster and Edinburgh, before playing for an hour against Benetton and was seen hobbling off Rodney Parade at full-time.
A scan following that win confirmed further surgery is required on the knee. It is unknown exactly how long Halaholo will be out at this point but it would seem he is a doubt for the festive derbies.
Head coach John Mulvihill will be hoping the blow of losing the hot stepping centre is softened by the return of Rey Lee-Lo for the crucial Guinness Pro14 encounter against Glasgow Warriors on Sunday. The Samoan was knocked out against Ulster three weeks ago but could play this weekend if he passes return to play protocols.
There is also hope for Olly Robinson (shoulder) and Jarrod Evans (hip) to be involved at Rodney Parade after both sat out the trip to Leinster. Meanwhile it is believed Kristian Dacey was merely rested for that loss and will return to the squad for the visit of the Scottish side.