Mark Hudson's ankle injury, sustained in the 1 - 1 home draw with Peterborough, could see him miss the rest of the season.
Malky Mackay has revealed that Hudson will be out for at least a month but will not guarantee that the skipper will play again this season.
"Mark is certainly out for a month unfortunately, but he is working with the doctors and physios," says manager Malky Mackay. "The injury is being assessed.
"I'd like to think he might play again this season, but I can't tie myself down to that.
"Let's see how the next month goes."
Cardiff have signed Leon Barnett on a one month loan from Norwich City and now with news of Hudson's absense Malky may try to get Barnett's loan extended. That must be done by the time the loan window closes on Thursday March 28th.
Malky admitted this injury is on the other ankle and not the one he injured at Blackpool in January.
"This is not a recurrence of anything that happens before because it is the other ankle," says Mackay.
"We'll see how things progress, but whatever happens there is no doubt Mark will be in our dressing room before and after matches.
"He is our club captain and somebody who has been great for Cardiff City on and off the pitch. He is a leader and will carry on that role even while he is not playing. "
Hopefully Ben Turner will be fit by the time City face Peterborough on March 30th to give City more defensive options.