The 30-year-old Australian sustained the injury at the start of the season but has not played since after experiencing discomfort against the Newport Gwent Dragons at Rodney Parade on 7 September.
He missed four Magners Legaue games for the Blues, inlcuding wins over Munster, Glasow and Connacht before undergoing a scan last week which revealed the need for surgery. “It is a huge blow not only to Marc but to the squad,” said Cardiff Blues director of rugby David Young. “Marc showed his quality, experience and consistency last year and was aiming to get that kind of form back this season.”
But there is better news for Young’s side with the return of number eight Andy Powell from injury. The highly rated Powell is expected to line up against Glamorgan Wanderers in the Welsh Premiership at the Arms Park on Saturday. Powell is set to play his first match for Cardiff since April after suffering from a 12 month injury nightmare.
The former Wales A back rower played three games for the region in his comeback after recovering from total reconstruction surgery on his left shoulder sustained in a pre-season friendly against Bristol last season. But, Powell then needed identical treatment on his right shoulder after the match against Ulster on 20 April.
Stcherbina out until new year
Cardiff Blues centre Marc Stcherbina has been ruled out for up to five months after having surgery to repair a shoulder injury.
