Scarlets hope hooker Ryan Elias will recover from a neck injury and play some part in the conclusion of their European Challenge Cup pool campaign next month.
Head coach Dwayne Peel says Elias will not be available for the United Rugby Championship (URC) derby against Dragons in Llanelli on 1 January.
“He is getting there slowly,” said Peel.
“I don’t think he will be right for New Year’s Day but he has been part of what we are doing.
“Until he gets some strength back, we will not be risking him in that area.
“He is a big loss because he is a big leader and player for us and we are looking forward to getting him back.”
Peel hopes Elias will play a part in either the Challenge Cup trip to face Gloucester on 10 January or the home match against Vannes eight days later.
Wales wing Blair Murray is back in contention to face Dragons after missing the Scarlets’ last-gasp derby defeat against Ospreys because of a hamstring problem.