All Blacks loose forward Steven Luatua's shoulder injury has ruled him out of the rest of the Blues' Super Rugby season.
Stand-in skipper Luatua dislocated the shoulder during the win over the Bulls last Friday, suffering associated nerve damage, and will not be back for the franchise's three remaining matches.
All Blacks lock Patrick Tuipulotu could also have played his last Super Rugby match of the year after a long-term hip injury worsened.
Blues management say both Luatua and Tuipulotu will need further tests before a decision is made about how long they will be sidelined.
The pair join regular skipper Jerome Kaino and Luke Braid on the Blues' long-term injured list.
Also unavailable to face competition leaders the Hurricanes in Auckland on Saturday night are props Tony Woodcock, who picked up a shoulder injury during a collapsed scrum against the Bulls, and Charlie Faumuina, who is on All Blacks leave.
Others not considered this week include Pita Ahki (hamstring), Dan Bowden (groin) and Bryn Hall (foot).
There is better news for fullback Charles Piutau, who the Blues say is making an excellent recovery to his knee injury and could return to the side before the end of the competition.
The Blues are hopeful Hamish Northcott (hamstring), Josh Bekhuis (concussion) and Hayden Triggs (calf) might be available for selection against the Hurricanes.
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