The Pirtek Parramatta Eels will be missing Brett Finch in Saturday’s vital clash with the Dragons, the halfback ruled out with a cheekbone injury.

Finch trained lightly on Tuesday but was ruled out early Wednesday after failing to overcome the injury, which came about as a result of a head clash with Matt Utai during the Eels 26 points to 12 win over the Bulldogs.

It’s expected he will only miss a week, meaning he’ll be in line to play the Eels final home match of 2008 against fellow Finals contenders the Warriors on Saturday week.

“It’s disappointing for Brett as he’s been a feature of the team all year however the injury doesn’t require surgery so we hope to have him back next week,” Eels head coach Michael Hagan told reporters at training on Wednesday.

Young five eighth Kris Keating – who scored his debut try in First Grade in last weekend’s win over the Bulldogs – shifts one spot closer in to halfback while Feleti Mateo moves from lock to the number six jersey.

The Eels team will be finalised closer to game day, with no word as yet who will step in at lock.

Either Joe Galuvao or Brendan Oake will take the spot that will become vacant on the bench.

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