Gloucester's Mefin Davies is out of action after damaging a vein against Saracens.
Gloucester hooker Mefin Davies has been told by doctors he damaged a vein in his left calf during the match against Saracens nearly two weeks ago.
The Welsh international will be under close surveillance over the next fortnight by Gloucester's medical team to ensure the injury does not deteriorate.
Gloucester have not yet indicated when the influential Welshman will return but head coach Dean Ryan will not be forced into rushing back the man who has started six out of seven Guinness Premiership games so far.
"We recognise Mefin is an integral part of our squad but we have made it clear this season we are not prepared to rush players back from injury and he will have all the support required to recover fully.
"The timing is very unfortunate for Mefin but it will provide opportunities for other players within our squad to stake their claim for a starting spot," he said.
