Scrum half Gonzalo Bertranou will miss the BKT United Rugby Championship derby with Cardiff Rugby on Boxing Day, Head Coach Dai Flanagan has confirmed.
Argentine ace Bertranou made his playing return for the Men of Gwent in the EPCR Challenge Cup showdown with Section Paloise last weekend after his World Cup exploits.
The 29-year-old – who has now made 29 appearances for the club – impressed in France before being forced off in the second half.
And Flanagan has revealed the livewire nine will now sit out the festive period when it kicks off in the capital as he looks to recover from a knee injury.
“Gonzalo has picked up a significant injury,” revealed Flanagan.
“He has come back from the World Cup, and we’ve given him some time before he picked up a niggle that saw him miss the South Africa tour.
“I can’t give you the length that he will be out, but it is an MCL injury, with some bone bruising and a little fracture.
“I thought he was superb in France. Gonzalo controlled the game so well at half back with Cai Evans,” he added.
“He is superman so I’m sure he will not be out for too long. But he will miss this block of games.
“It’s a blow because Gonzalo is an international rugby player. He enhances the likes of Rhod (Williams), Dane (Blacker), Lewis (Jones) and the two young nines. Not having him takes that away.”
Better news surrounds international duo Leon Brown and Dan Lydiate who Flanagan revealed are pushing for returns.
Lydiate launched his second spell at the club when he played in the defeat to Leinster in November.
However, it was later revealed he had suffered a rib injury that forced him out of the South African tour.
Brown has only made one appearance this season for Dragons due to injury – against Cardiff in the defeat at Rodney Parade in October.
“We have some big players coming back from a deload week and injury and that is a boost,” said Flanagan.
“Leon and Dan are among those back training and pushing to be in the 23.
“We rotated to give people an opportunity in France and some people put their hand up and will keep the jersey.
“We are a fresh group, we are a group that have trained well, and we’re looking forward to the game.”
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I thought he was superb in France... Gonzalo controlled the game so well at half back with Cai Evans... But he will miss this block of games...
