The Blues' locking stocks have taken another hit with veteran Tom Donnelly ruled out of Friday's Super Rugby match against the Brumbies in Canberra with a calf strain.
Donnelly was on the bench for Saturday's 30-12 win over the Highlanders, but did not make an appearance after straining his calf during the warm up.
With Culum Retallick ruled out for the season with an a ruptured knee and Patrick Tuipulotu currently sidelined with a knee injury, it leaves the Blues light on locks.
Tom Murday has returned from a knee injury but is likely to play club rugby in Northland this week, with Steven Luatua the most obvious option to provide locking cover if required.
All Black midfielder Francis Saili will provide a real boost as he makes his return from a stress injury this week.
Hooker Keven Mealamu, who suffered a calf strain while in South Africa, is progressing slowly and he will start doing some field-based running this week.
He is hopeful of returning for the Blues' round 10 clash with the Hurricanes after the bye.
Halfback Jamison Gibson-Park (stress injury) is also targeting the Hurricanes game to make his return, with Northland's Sonatane Takulua continuing to train with the team this week.
Baden Kerr had surgery last week on his third and fourth finger fractures and will be sidelined for a significant period of time.
