Wales captain and Cardiff Blues flanker Sam Warburton has been ruled out for up to six weeks with an ankle injury.
Warburton suffered the injury in a tackle by Justin Tipuric, his rival for the flanker’s position with Wales, in Saturday’s Pro12 13-6 loss to Ospreys.
The 27-year-old will miss the Blues’ two European Challenge Cup matches against Montpellier in December.
He will also be unfit for the Pro12 Welsh derbies over Christmas against Newport Gwent Dragons and the Scarlets.
After missing the start of the Blues’ season on World Cup duty, Warburton was making only his third regional appearance of the season at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday.
But he was forced off shortly before half-time after taking a knock on his ankle in a tackle from opposite number Tipuric.
The Blues welcome Connacht to the Arms Park on Friday before a European double-header with Montpellier on 11 December (home) and 17 December (away).
Televised Pro12 derby games at the Dragons and at home to Scarlets follow, with the Blues desperate to pick up points after managing just one win from eight games so far.
Warburton could be back for the final two European games in January, giving him an opportunity to prove his fitness before Wales open their Six Nations campaign against Ireland in Dublin on 7 February.
