Carlos Spencer injured in training collision, requires surgery

Carlos Spencer. Herald file picture

Blues star player Carlos Spencer has broken a cheekbone in practice and will require urgent surgery.

A message on his official website, carlosspencer.com, announced today:

"Carlos was injured at training yesterday in a collision with another player. He has fractured his cheekbone and will be operated in in the next couple of days. His recovery is expected to take a couple of weeks."

Blues coach Peter Sloane told nzherald.co.nz today that Spencer had had the accident, and medical reports which came back this morning confirmed the need for surgery.

Radio station Newstalk ZB had already reported that Spencer was facing another week on the Blues bench.

They said the Blues have prefered Tasesa Lavea over Spencer at first five-eighth for Saturday night's game against the Sharks.

Blues coach Peter Sloane told Newstalk ZB that "Lavea has done well, so we will not be dropping him."

The Blues have made three changes overall for the Sharks encounter.

Ben Atiga finally starts at centre for the first time this year, with Mils Muliaina shifting back to fullback. In the forwards, Chresten Davis makes his Blues debut at lock.