Western Force prop Pek Cowan is set for an extended stint on the sidelines after breaking his arm in last week's 20-19 Super Rugby loss to the Crusaders in Perth.
The Force have the bye this week before hosting the NSW Waratahs in round nine, a match hooker Nathan Charles is in doubt for after dislocating his shoulder.
Cowan is set to miss at least six weeks after breaking his lower left arm in a first-half tackle against the Crusaders.
The 29-year-old joins a lengthy injury list that also includes Charles, Jono Lance, Luke Burton, Chris Alcock, and Marcel Brache.
But in better news for the Force, centre Kyle Godwin is a chance to play against the Waratahs after recovering from a knee injury sustained in the season-opening loss to the Melbourne Rebels.
Scrumhalf Alby Mathewson, who missed the loss to the Crusaders because of illness, will be available to take on the Waratahs.
The Force (1-6) enter the bye round nursing a five-match losing run.
But their performances in the past two weeks - against the Highlanders and Crusaders - has given coach Michael Foley plenty of heart that his team are on the right track.
