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Calvisano v Cardiff Blues
Venue: Centro Sportive San Michele
Date: 11 October 2008
Kickoff - 14:35, Live Sky Italia/Sky Interactive</div>
Xavier Rush will miss Cardiff Blues' Heineken Cup opener in Calvisano after failing to recover from knee surgery.
The Blues captain has played just 40 minutes of rugby this season against Connacht in the Magners League.
"His injury is a big blow," said coach Dai Young. "He is a vital player for us for us but his knee flared-up after the Connacht game."
Jamie Robinson, Mama Molitika and Ceri Sweeney are all injury doubts and Young will name his final 22 on Friday.
Talisman Rush was a key member of the Blues side that qualified for the Heineken Cup quarter-finals last term.
The All Black back-row, who also inspired the Blues to runners-up spot in last season's Magners League, underwent an operation in August after tearing the cartilage off the back of his knee cap.
"We now hope that Xavier will be back for our game with Gloucester at the Arms Park the weekend after next," said Young.
Young Wales winger Tom James will not be considered for the Blues' Pool 6 Italian job due to a groin problem but Tongan back-row Ma'ama Molitika returns.
Young suggested that a number of players who missed the Sale victory in the EDF Energy Cup with minor injuries will return.
Jason Spice and Gethin Jenkins could also be ready for action while Wales centre Tom Shanklin will be desperate to win back his 13 jersey from Jamie Robinson.
Ross Johnson, Rhys Williams and Sam Warburton remain on the Blues' long-term injury list.
Former Wales captain Jonathan Davies warned: "This could be a banana skin for the Blues.
"Everyone expects them to win but if they have serious hopes of progressing from the pool stages they really need a bonus point win."
BBC Sport
Calvisano v Cardiff Blues
Venue: Centro Sportive San Michele
Date: 11 October 2008
Kickoff - 14:35, Live Sky Italia/Sky Interactive</div>
Xavier Rush will miss Cardiff Blues' Heineken Cup opener in Calvisano after failing to recover from knee surgery.
The Blues captain has played just 40 minutes of rugby this season against Connacht in the Magners League.
"His injury is a big blow," said coach Dai Young. "He is a vital player for us for us but his knee flared-up after the Connacht game."
Jamie Robinson, Mama Molitika and Ceri Sweeney are all injury doubts and Young will name his final 22 on Friday.
Talisman Rush was a key member of the Blues side that qualified for the Heineken Cup quarter-finals last term.
The All Black back-row, who also inspired the Blues to runners-up spot in last season's Magners League, underwent an operation in August after tearing the cartilage off the back of his knee cap.
"We now hope that Xavier will be back for our game with Gloucester at the Arms Park the weekend after next," said Young.
Young Wales winger Tom James will not be considered for the Blues' Pool 6 Italian job due to a groin problem but Tongan back-row Ma'ama Molitika returns.
Young suggested that a number of players who missed the Sale victory in the EDF Energy Cup with minor injuries will return.
Jason Spice and Gethin Jenkins could also be ready for action while Wales centre Tom Shanklin will be desperate to win back his 13 jersey from Jamie Robinson.
Ross Johnson, Rhys Williams and Sam Warburton remain on the Blues' long-term injury list.
Former Wales captain Jonathan Davies warned: "This could be a banana skin for the Blues.
"Everyone expects them to win but if they have serious hopes of progressing from the pool stages they really need a bonus point win."
BBC Sport