JOE Bearman, Newport Gwent Dragons’ massively in-form back row forward, is a major doubt for Boxing Day’s Magners League derby bonanza against their biggest rivals Cardiff Blues at Rodney Parade.

Bearman damaged two fingers during Friday night’s memorable win against the Ospreys in the first festive derby, but the extent of the problem was not realised until he reported for training yesterday.

He was immediately packed off to hospital for an X-ray examination amid fears he may have suffered a fracture.

If he is ruled out of the Blues game it will be a huge blow for the Dragons and for Bearman who was eagerly looking forward to his personal duel with Wales number eight Andy Powell a week after getting the better of that other notable No 8 Ryan Jones, the Wales captain.

His likely replacement, given the make-up of the 22-man Dragons squad announced for the game, would be Lewis Evans rather than New Zealander Grant Webb, who has been out with a hamstring injury and has not been included. It’s a similar unit from the Ospreys match with changes kept to a minimum, especially as the Blues will bring back the Welsh players they rested for Saturday’s game against the Scarlets.

Scrum half Wayne Evans returns in place of Tom Isaacs alongside Rob Lewis, who enjoyed his best game for the Dragons against the Ospreys, while Phil Dollman has been left out, the full back slot likely to be filled by Jason Tovey again after his match clinching late try last Friday.

The pack went great guns against theOspreys and only one change has been made from the 12 on duty then, with Jamie Corsi replacing Gethin Robinson at prop after being limited to one brief spell as a replacement last month and two appearances for Ebbw Vale in the Premier Division this season after a shoulder operation.

The Dragons are now chasing a Christmas double, especially as they have beaten the Blues only once in their last six fixtures.

“We need to build on the confidence gained from our win against the Ospreys,” said coach Paul Turner. “The Blues rested a lot of players against the Scarlets because of their huge strength in depth, but they will realise they need to be moving up the league, “I’m looking forward to the crowd getting behind the team, we all thought they were superb on Friday.”

Two players who are ahead of schedule to return to action after undergoing operations are full back/wing Martyn Thomas and openside flanker Richard Parks.

Thomas says he could even be back for the New Year’s Day game against former region the Scarlets after being given the all-clear to resume contact work, which is six weeks earlier than planned after a shoulder operation. Parks is hoping to return in February aftyer a similar operation, again earlier than origianlly expected.

The Dragons are asking fans to buy tickets before Christmas for the Blues derby. Chief executive Gethin Jenkins said: “We are expecting this season’s record crowd and it’s important that fans get their tickets as soon as possible to avoid disappointment, especially after the Dragons were boosted by the victory over the Ospreys.

“There are a limited number of tickets available and I urge fans to contact the ticket office before Christmas to avoid the queues on Boxing Day.”

A festive programme of entertainment has been arranged.

Jenkins said: “With our sponsors Motorpoint we are offering the chance for one lucky supporter to win a car on the pitch at half-time, and we have a spectacular pre-match performance from the official harpist to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, Claire Jones.”

Dragons squad: J Tovey, G Wyatt, A Smith, R Sidey, R Davies, R Fussell, J Arlidge, S Connor, R Lewis, W Evans, A Black, S Jones, T Willis (captain), R Thomas, J Corsi, A Jones, L Charteris, H Macdonald, J Bearman, L Evans, D Lydiate, C Charvis.

Kick off 2.10pm (moved from 2.05).