THE Dragons have suffered another back row injury blow with Harri Keddie set for several months out following shoulder surgery.

The 21-year-old Wales hopeful was injured in the Guinness PRO14 victory against Connacht a fortnight ago and has had to go under the knife.

Strong-running Keddie, who was invited to train with the national squad last autumn, was set to be a leading figure for the Dragons following the retirement of Ed Jackson.

He started at number eight against Leinster and Edinburgh then blindside against Connacht before suffering a blow in the second half.

Keddie has not be registered for the start of the European Rugby Challenge Cup campaign next month and his injury leaves the Dragons down the bare bones in the back row.

Stalwart Lewis Evans is on the comeback trail from a pre-season Achilles injury and is targeting an October return, openside Nic Cudd is likely to be out for the season because of knee ligament damage and number eight Robson Blake suffered a collarbone injury at Ulster last week.

Ollie Griffiths, James Benjamin and James Thomas are the only fit senior options with a trio of academy prospects their back-up.

Max Williams, 19, has featured three times this season, 18-year-old Lennon Greggains made his regional bow in Belfast last week and 20-year-old Aaron Wainwright has been named in the Challenge Cup squad.

Wales contender Griffiths is fit to start against Southern Kings on Saturday night after suffering a series of bangs in Belfast and the all-action openside is now an even more important figure.

"We've been unlucky with the back rows but we have to work with it and give more young players an opportunity," said defence coach Hendre Marnitz.

"Injuries are part of the game and they come in cycles. You've just got to keep on working and develop new players."

"Ollie led the team very well in Belfast and was excellent against Connacht. We hope that he can keep producing these performances week in, week out," continued Marnitz.

"We wanat to play at a higher level and get in the Welsh set-up. I know there are loads of sevens in Welsh rugby, every club has one and there's one at Wasps [Thomas Young] who is not too bad either.

"But we want Ollie to play at the highest level and have big aspirations for him. He is a very valuble asset for us."

The Dragons have been boosted by Wales centre Tyler Morgan returning to full training following a blow to the ribs suffered against Connacht and he is set to partner Jack Dixon in midfield.

Head coach Bernard Jackman is likely to make just a couple changes to the XV that beat Connacht with Thomas coming in for Keddie while Carl Meyer will start at full-back following Zane Kirchner’s shoulder injury against the Irish province.

The former Springbok went under the knife on Monday and will be targeting a return in the New Year.

The sole selection dilemma is whether Rynard Landman or Matthew Screech partners captain Cory Hill in the second row.

On-loan Cardiff Blues scrum-half Dane Blacker will be Sarel Pretorius’ back-up after impressing with a try and an assist off the bench in the heavy defeat at Ulster.