The British and Irish Lions prop is a confirmed absentee but there are also doubts over Wales flanker Martyn Williams (ribs), hooker Gareth Williams (shoulder) and former New Zealand centre Casey Laulala (knee) are also doubts for the Blues.
Dragons wing Aled Brew is a doubt as he bids to recover from an ankle injury.
While lock Adam Jones and flanker Dan Lydiate are out for the season but centre Ashley Smith could return.
Dai Young’s men will also be without Wales duo scrum-half Gareth Cooper and centre Tom Shanklin due to injury.
And Wales wing Tom James is definitely out injured for the Blues while number eight Andy Powell has recovered from a calf injury.
While Blues lock Deiniol Jones is set to break the Magners League appearance record as his 118th league game would eclipse Dragons prop Adam Black’s record.
The Blues hope to extend their winning run over the Dragons to seven games although the Rodney Parade region have only lost once at home this season – to another Welsh region Llanelli Scarlets.
The Cardiff side are bidding for their fifth successive victory and hoping to extend their impressive form of six successive wins in all competitions.
The Dragons and Blues have already qualified for the Heineken Cup next season but both are chasing an outside spot for the top-four end-of-season play-off.