Wales outside half Nicky Robinson and Dai Flanagan have been ruled out for more than two months and will miss the Welsh derby clashes versus the Newport Gwent Dragons and the Ospreys.
Robinson suffered a recurrence of his groin injury against Stade Francais in Paris 11 days ago and has undergone an operation ruling him out of action until April. And young understudy Flanagan fractured a bone in his thumb in the 31-21 win over the French champions in the reverse fixture last weekend.
The 22-year-old sealed the Arms Park victory with a late drop-goal but won’t play again for eight weeks.
Now, Blues head coach Dai Young will turn to his only recognised fly half Macleod for the home match against the Gwent region on Boxing Day. Macleod has only returned to full training after two months out with a broken hand.
Macleod said: “The injury was hugely frustrating but it’s sorted and the finger feels strong. We’ve been really unlucky with injuries and I feel sorry for Dai as he was great against Stade.
“But there’s a great spirit in the squad, we produced a great performance against Stade and we want that form to continue.”
