The Crusaders have been dealt another pair of injury blows, with confirmation All Blacks duo Sam Whitelock and Sevu Reece have been added to their long list of casualties.
Whitelock suffered a broken hand during Saturday's thrilling win against the Blues at Eden Park, while Reece has sustained a "serious" knee injury.
The recovery timeframe for both players is still uncertain, with further scans on Wednesday set to provide more clarity.
A broken hand typically carries a rehabilitation period of three to six weeks, meaning Whitelock should be able to play some further part in the Crusaders' title defence.
The prognosis seems more concerning for Reece, with the possibility the injury may also affect his All Blacks availability.
The defending champions are already without a host of first-choice players due to injury, including All Blacks David Havili, Jack Goodhue, Will Jordan and Fletcher Newell, as well as forwards Cullen Grace, Mitchell Dunshea, Oli Jager, and George Bell.
Havili and Goodhue are considered shorter term injuries and could be back as soon as Friday's clash with the Brumbies in Christchurch.
Quinten Strange could also make a timely comeback from his hamstring issue this week to slot in as Whitelock's replacement. Chay Fihaki, Macca Springer and Pepesana Patafilo would be among the candidates to fill the void left by Reece.
At the more severe end of the scale is Bell, who has already been ruled out for the season, with Newell, Dunshea and Jager all likely to suffer the same fate.
All Blacks fullback Jordan is training fully with the team but is considered unlikely to feature until Round 8 at the earliest, as he recovers from his "migraine-related condition".
"It's been a hell of a run but next man will step up," said coach Scott Robertson of his side's nightmare stretch with injury.
The Crusaders' injury replacements have taken their opportunities with both hands, highlighted by the outstanding play of midfielder Dallas McLeod and fullback Fergus Burke.
The southerners will face a stern test at AMI Stadium against the second-placed Brumbies, who are undefeated through the opening four rounds of the season.
