CAPTAIN Sam Warburton requires surgery on his fractured cheekbone but is still expected to feature in all four of Wales' autumn internationals.

Warburton clashed heads with Josh van der Flier in Cardiff Blues' 16-13 defeat by Leinster on Saturday and there were fears that he would miss the November dates with Australia, Argentina, Japan and South Africa.

But the openside, who is 28 tomorrow, has been told by a specialist that he should be sidelined for no more than a month despite going under the knife

"Warburton will have a small plate inserted in his cheekbone. It is estimated he will be out of action for approximately two to four weeks," a Blues statement read.

Wales caretaker coach Rob Howley will be hoping that his skipper makes a quick recovery after confirming last month that the flanker would continue to lead his country.

Warburton hopes to return for his region's European Rugby Challenge Cup date with Pau on October 21but if he does endure a setback then Wales are blessed with a quality deputy given the stunning form of Ospreys counterpart Justin Tipuric.