Danny Wilson is hoping to be boosted by the return of star duo Gareth Anscombe and Nick Williams in the coming weeks.
With 15 players, including eight first-team regulars, currently on the side-lines their fitness would be a timely boost to Cardiff Blues.
Fly-half Anscombe has been out of action since undergoing groin surgery following the autumn internationals but could be back to face Bristol at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday, January 21, while number eight Williams is also making good progress.
Wilson said: “It’s nice to be in a different competition and one where we have some confidence picking up three wins out of four games however we still have to manage the squad this best we can with a lot of injury problems.
“We have eight recognised first team players among those unavailable. Gethin is still a couple of months away, George Earle is suspended and Josh Turnbull is out for four months.
“Nick Williams is making some really good progress and is on track to be available if not this week then next week, Gareth Anscombe is a couple of weeks away but Tom James is still unavailable and Dan Fish is out for the season. On top of that we’ve picked up a couple of injuries and concussions from Glasgow.
“We are pretty depleted and that has meant less competition for places. At the beginning of the season, with a healthy and competitive squad to pick from, we won seven out of 10 games.
“We have an excellent medical staff who are working extremely hard to return players as soon as possible but at this point we don’t have that competition and depth.
“The players we have are good players, they are working hard and they will pick up good opportunities and experiences. We are confident that if we perform we can go to Pau and pick up an away win this week.”
Tickets for Cardiff Blues versus Bristol on Saturday, January 21 (3pm) are still available and can be bought here.