Perpignan have received mixed news ahead of Friday night's huge Heineken Cup tie at Munster.
The French Champions travel to Thomond Park with a win and a loss to their name in this year's competition, after a surprise defeat to Benetton Treviso was followed by a morale-boosting home victory over Northampton.
But they will do so without the services of experienced outside back Julien Candelon who requires surgery on a badly twisted wrist.
The 29-year-old former French international picked up the injury just after half-time in Saturday's convincing win over Montpellier in the Top 14.
Candelon is expected to be out of action for three to four weeks, meaning he will not feature in the Heineken Cup until the Round 5 clash with Northampton at Franklin's Gardens.
By the time Candelon returns to action, Perpignan's European fate could already be decided, with back-to-back loses to Munster making it almost impossible to secure quarter-final qualification.
On a positive front, Perpignan have been boosted by the decision of lock Robins Tchale-Watchou to sign a new contract at the club.
The Cameroon-born 26-year-old has committed his future to the Catalans side until 2013 having moved to the Stade Aime Giral from Stade Francais on a one-year contract last August.
