Stephen McPhail competes with Jon Walters during their FA Cup clash

Stephen McPhail faces a race against time to be fit for the south Wales derby as the Cardiff City midfielder is expected to be out for two weeks.

The Republic of Ireland international was replaced by Aaron Wildig in the 39th minute after tearing a hamstring in Tuesday's 2-0 FA Cup loss to Stoke.

The 31-year-old may struggle to return for their visit to promotion rivals Swansea City on 6 February.

McPhail is to be replaced in midfield by the fit-again Danny Drinkwater.

McPhail, who will undergo physio on his hamstring problem, has been sent off in his last two visits to the Liberty Stadium in both the League Cup and league games in 2008.

Cardiff's midfield options have been bolstered by the signing of Arsenal youngster Jay Emmanuel-Thomas who is on loan until the end of the season.

And Bluebirds boss Dave Jones hopes to add Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey on a month-long loan from Arsenal.

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