The Scarlets are likely to be without three Wales players for their crucial Heineken Cup matches with Exeter Chiefs over the next two weekends.
That is the word from the Welsh region's head coach Simon Easterby who expects to be without the services of George North, Josh Turnbull and Rob McCusker.
The Scarlets face Exeter take on Exeter at Parc y Scarlets on Saturday.
"We will try to get as many of the boys back into the squad as we can without changing too much," Easterby told the ERC website.
"We will still be missing some players but hopefully we can pick a strong squad for a game that we have to win.
"George is probably going to be a couple of weeks and Rob and Josh won't be available - again we're looking at a couple of weeks. There are a lot of players we are desperate to get back."
But despite that setback, Easterby will have Matthew Rees, Tavis Knoyle, Rhys Priestland and Jonathan Davies back at his disposal.
Test rookies Liam Williams and Aaron Shingler will also be available and Easterby was particularly impressed with their performances for Wales.
"I was impressed but not surprised," said Easterby.
"They have gone really well for us, we have a lot of faith in them and they've shown some regional form in the national jersey."
Scarlets and Exeter are battling to stay in the competition and both sides are yet to register a win in their group which is being dominated by Clermont and defending champions Leinster.
Easterby wants improvement from his side after they suffered a frustrating 19-12 PRO12 loss to Ulster last weekend.
"There are no excuses," he said.
"Ulster didn't have everyone back and we were at home, coming off a good win over Munster.
"We lacked accuracy in certain areas and put ourselves under pressure.
"Exeter won't be too dissimilar to Ulster. They have a good forward pack, they're winning a lot of rugby and will come here with plenty of confidence.
"They're a good team and we will have to be a lot better than we were on Sunday."
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