Wales captain Sam Warburton is facing a race to be fit for the opening autumn international against Australia as he requires surgery on his broken cheekbone.
The 27-year-old suffered a heavy blow to the face during a clash with Josh van der Flier in Cardiff Blues' 16-13 defeat to Leinster on Saturday evening.
Warburton will have a plate inserted in his face, and it is believed that the injury is similar to that suffered by Dan Lydiate in the World Cup.
On that occasion, the Ospreys flanker missed one match, and Warburton has just over a month to recover for Wales's opening Test against Australia on November 5.
The Blues have estimated that Warburton will be out of action for between two and four weeks.
