Wales number eight Taulupe Faletau has faced another setback, sidelined after injuring a finger during his comeback with Cardiff. The 35-year-old made his first appearance since March in the Champions Cup defeat against Northampton on 18 October but has now reported pain in his finger and will undergo surgery.

Faletau's recovery timeline means he will miss the crucial United Rugby Championship (URC) derby against the Ospreys, which concludes the first block of the season. Cardiff head coach Corniel van Zyl stated, "Unfortunately he had a little bit of a niggle with a pinkie finger, so he will be on the sidelines for a while."

It is hoped that Faletau will be fit to return after the November break for the Nations Championship. Van Zyl expressed concern for the player, noting, "I can imagine he is quite frustrated because after the game he didn't even realise it, then the next day it was sore all of a sudden."

Faletau's injury history has been troubling, with only 31 appearances for Cardiff since joining from Bath in 2022 and just seven last season due to shoulder, calf, and knee injuries. His lack of game time has resulted in his exclusion from Wales' squad for the Nations Championship, with in-form teammate Taine Basham receiving a recall.

Despite his struggles, Wales head coach Steve Tandy mentioned that an international return for Faletau is not out of the question, although he must demonstrate durability alongside his evident talent.

In addition to Faletau, Cardiff will also be without back-row forwards Alex Mann, James Botham, and Basham for the match against the Ospreys on Saturday, 31 October. They hope Alun Lawrence, who has yet to play this season due to injuries, will be fit for the trip to Swansea. Cardiff recently suffered their third consecutive loss, falling to the Sharks at the Arms Park.