The Ospreys face daunting back-to-back Heineken Cup Pool 2 matches against Toulouse when the tournament resumes next month - but the Welsh region is really suffering for the national cause in the autumn series of internationals.
The reigning Pro12 champions head for the clash with the four-times Heineken Cup winners in danger of being stripped of a host of leading players, particularly up front.
Outside half Dan Biggar and hooker Richard Hibbard were both forced off with shoulder damage in the bruising encounter with Samoa and lock Ian Evans followed them onto the treatment table with a knee problem.
Six days earlier club captain Alun Wyn Jones failed to go the distance against Argentina - also with a shoulder problem that has required surgery - while tighthead prop Adam Jones was ruled out of the series before it kicked-off with a leg injury.
The Ospreys have lost both previous matches against Toulouse, 29-11 at home and 29-6 in France, and start their crucial 2012 contests on the road at Stade Ernest Wallon.
And on top of their woes from the internationals arena, prop Joe Rees faces a lengthy time on the sidelines with a neck injury.
Ospreys Head Physio, Chris Towers, said: "We've had Joe scanned and initial discussions, given the nature of his injury, is that he is going to be unavailable for a lengthy period of time and is likely to require surgery.
"We are looking at the best options to treat and resolve the symptoms and will be in a position to update further once we've completed the consultancy process and can identify all available options.
"And although Adam (Jones) remains unavailable due to the knee injury he re-aggravated in the Leicester match, we are happy with the progress he is making in his rehab. In line with the initial rehab plan, he still requires a further six weeks to get him back to the condition required to reach a position where he will be able to return to playing."
