The Crusaders are already having to dig deep into their front row stocks after they confirmed All Black prop Tim Perry broke his arm in Saturday's opening round win over the Blues.
Perry was seen holding his arm in the 24-22 win at Eden Park just seven minutes after taking the field in the second half. He was taken off soon after.
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson said Perry will see a specialist today to weigh up their options.
"Really gutted for him. He's in incredible shape, probably the best of his career. It's tough for him and the team because we need him. We wish him a quick recovery."
It means the defending Super Rugby champions are left with just Joe Moody and Harry Allan as their healthy looseheads currently on the roster.
Injury replacement options include Isileli Tu'ungafasi, who trained with the Crusaders during the preseason before he was sidelined with a calf strain. Another replacement could be Otago front rower Donald Brighouse, who covered for the team at times last year.
Robertson said both are being pondered over.
"Harry [Allan] has been training well, he's been around the team for a year or two and now is his opportunity. We're looking for cover," Robertson said.
"[Brighouse] is floating around and he's on the list. We will see what shape he is in."
The Crusaders are back in Christchurch for their first home game of the season this week, hosting the Hurricanes on Saturday night.
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