Cardiff Blues' injury woes worsened when Lee Thomas was ruled out until the New Year with a shoulder injury.
Thomas, who had filled in during Nick Robinson's absence, will miss at least three weeks after damaging the AC-joint in his right shoulder during last weekend's defeat to Leinster.
It is yet another blow for the Blues who are already down to a skeleton team amid a catalogue of injuries and will leave coach Dai Young with third-choice fly-half Nick MacLeod for Monday's local derby against Newport Gwent Dragons at Rodney Parade.
Thomas said: "It couldn't have come a worst time, I'm gutted. I'd had a run of games in the starting team and there are some crucial fixtures coming up. This is going to be a very frustrating Christmas."
The Blues, who are still searching for their first Heineken Cup victory of the season, are propping up Pool 6, with just three losing bonus points to show for their endeavours.
They face Pool leaders - unbeaten Stade Francais in Paris in Round 5, before the final game in the competition against Ulster at the Arms Park the following week.
.
