Colwill facing '10-12 weeks' out with ankle injury

Rubin Colwill has made 10 appearances for Wales, scoring one goal

Rubin Colwill is facing up to three months out after the Cardiff City and Wales attacking midfielder damaged ankle ligaments.

Colwill sustained the injury during Cardiff's 3-1 win at Northampton Town last Saturday and was seen leaving Sixfields on crutches.

Losing the 23-year-old is a major blow for the Bluebirds, for whom he has started every league game this season and shone as their main creative force.

"Rubin's timescale will be 10 to 12 weeks. There's a discussion over the next 24 hours about whether he will have surgery or not," said Cardiff head coach Brian Barry-Murphy.

"So by the time we come to the post-match press conference on Saturday, I'll be able to say that, but I think for the next 24 hours, he's going to make that decision based on what he feels is best and the advice from James Rowland (Cardiff's head of medical services).

"Obviously when an injury of that nature occurs it's very disappointing for Rubin and for his team-mates.

"But once you get over the first couple of days, in our sport, you quickly start to look at the recovery period and the timescales involved and start to see the opportunity that provides for the rest of the squad, but also for him to come back in a much better position physically."

The timing of the injury is unfortunate for Colwill, who is enjoying arguably the best season of his career.

Despite breaking into Cardiff's team as a teenager and long being touted as a star of the future, his progress has been interrupted by fitness issues and a lack of regular playing time.

But this campaign has been a different story. Colwill was appointed vice-captain in the summer and has worn the armband on several occasions.

He has also had a productive season, scoring four goals and providing five assists in all competitions.

"He's demonstrated incredible leadership qualities within our dressing room," said Barry-Murphy. "He's been an invaluable member of our team.

"I don't think we have a like for like replacement, but we have other players who we believe can step up to the plate and give us something different.

"So there's a real opportunity within our squad based on what that we've done and the opportunity that Rubin's absence provides."

Meanwhile, Colwill's younger brother Joel is a doubt for Cardiff's League One fixture at home to Mansfield Town on Saturday.

Colwill sustained a gash to his knee during last weekend's win at Northampton but Barry-Murphy does not expect the injury to sideline the central midfielder for long.