Carter Gordon's latest setback won't be long-term with Queensland Reds coach Les Kiss hopeful the Test playmaker will still play a major role in the Super Rugby Pacific season.
There were fears the Wallabies hopeful had suffered a serious injury after he finished their last-start win against the Crusaders on April 11 with his knee in a brace.
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But Kiss said the diagnosis was a cartilage injury and Gordon had already began rehabilitation.
"Being a minor injury we're hopeful it's not too long," Kiss said of Gordon's absence.
The Sunshine Coast junior has battled upper-leg niggles since his rugby comeback, after an NRL cameo that was dominated by a serious spinal injury.
Still he has made his mark, impressing with his ball-running, defence and passing game while turning heads with his pace that's helped him to four tries.
Tom Lynagh has been hobbled by injury and illness this year with Harry McLaughlin-Phillips expected to start at No.10 for the Reds in Saturday's Super Round clash with the Blues in Christchurch, which has become a traditional match-up for both sides.
"This is always a big match on Anzac Round so looking forward to having it in Christchurch against the Blues," back-rower Joe Brial said on Monday.
"We probably play a similar style of footy at some times, so it's one we're definitely excited for coming off the bye as well and at the new stadium."
It's a special occasion for Brial, who went to Uni in Christchurch and played NPC for Canterbury before returning home.
It gives him a special appreciation for what the stadium means to the community, almost 15 years on from earthquakes that ravaged the area and the old ground.
"I think after those 2011 earthquakes, the city really got around the sporting teams and the Crusaders so this is a big milestone for them," Brial said.
"There'll be a good turnout this weekend, and it'll be really good for the community in Christchurch."
