Bath Rugby duo Andrew Higgins and Andy Beattie will miss Rounds 3 and 4 of the Heineken Cup after sustaining injuries during Saturday's victory over Saracens in the Zurich Premiership.
Centre Higgins was taken off after 30 minutes with a facial injury. Later a medical examination revealed a break, which was plated by doctors with advice that Higgins will not return to competitive rugby until after Christmas.
"Andy has broken his jaw," confirmed Bath Rugby's Head of Physical Preparation Chris Mallac. "He had it plated on Saturday night and is likely to be out for around six weeks."
Beattie was also forced to leave the field early on Saturday - going off after just 27 minutes with a suspected calf muscle injury. Scans revealed a torn calf muscle that will sideline Beattie for around a month.
"Beattie has a torn his calf muscle," said Mallac. "At this stage we are anticipating that he will be sidelined for around three to five weeks."
Bath will play Benetton Treviso in Round's 3 and 4 of the Heineken Cup. The Round 3 game is a Treviso's home ground, the Stadio Comunale di Mongio, while the return leg takes place at the Recreation Ground, Bath, the following weekend.
But the good news for the 1998 Heineken Cup winners is that both Matt Perry and Joe Maddock are close to being fit for selection whilst Brendon Daniel has recovered from bruising to the bone.