Ali McKenzie has been ruled out until christmas, meaning he will miss Newport Gwent Dragons' first four European games.
The former Wasps player, who won two Heineken Cups and a European Challenge Cup at his time with the English side, has had surgery on injured ligaments in his wrist, after picking up the injury in pre-season.
McKenzie had managed to play through the pain barrier for the Dragons during their opening league fixtures, however he is now unlikely to feature for the South Wales side until the new year.
"I picked it up in pre-season and was advised to have the operation," said McKenzie.
"There is not a lot I can do about it, but I hope to be back around Christmas time or soon after."
The Dragons travel to Glasgow to face the Warriors in their opening game on Friday, October 8 before welcoming European Champions Toulouse to Rodney Parade the following weekend.