Boss Dean Ryan has revealed that hooker Richard Hibbard will miss the European showdown with Northampton Saints after fracturing his hand.
The former Wales international came off early in the recent victory over Edinburgh Rugby at Principality Stadium.
Director of Dragons Rugby Ryan has now confirmed the front row has a fracture and is set for a spell on the sidelines - although he will not need surgery.
“We’ve lost Hibbz, who came off early against Edinburgh,” said Ryan. “He has got a fracture in his hand so that is a bit of a blow as he has been in great form in recent weeks.
“He’s been great for us. In true Hibbz style he is back to what we know him for. He is throwing himself around and powerful in the set piece.
“I think he has been central to our form and he is a loss.
“We wanted to see Elliot (Dee) coming back as a great competition, not we have to look at that as a selection. It’s really sad that he is not able to be involved for us this week.
“It’s an intact fracture so it is the best kind,” he added. “He won’t be having surgery; we have just got to give him the best chance to get him back. I need some minutes off him before the season ends.
“We are now looking at our options at hooker. Ellis Shipp is injured too so we have got to look at what is available.”
In true Hibbz style he is back to what we know him for... throwing himself around and powerful in the set piece... he is a loss...
