Biarritz have been dealt a major blow ahead of Sunday's Heinken Cup semi-final against Munster with the news that Damien Traille is out for the season.
The French international centre hurt his forearm in Saturday's Top 14 defeat to Clermont and will need four to six weeks to recover.
Therefore, even if Biarritz progress past Munster, Traille will not recover in time to play in the European Cup final scheduled to take place at the Stade de France on May 22.
Biarritz could also be without international back-row forward Imanol Harinordoquy, who broke his nose against Racing-Metro last week.
The powerful number eight underwent surgery last week and will need to wear a cast for a few days.
Munster have their own injury worries ahead of the trip to San Sebastian, with Paul O'Connell still yet to train due to the groin injury that has kept him out since Ireland's Six Nations defeat to Scotland.
"It's a race against the clock for Paulie," Tony McGahan admitted after his side's defeat to the Ospreys. "We're doing everything possible to get him into the frame to play. But more importantly he needs to be in the frame to train because he hasn't played for a long time. That's the first obstacle, to train, then it's a selection matter."
Other injury worries exist over Jerry Flannery (ankle) and De Villiers (ribs) who both picked up knocks at the weekend, but like Nick Williams, Tony Buckley, Doug Howlett, Ian Dowling and Keith Earls, Munster are hopeful all will be available.
