Catalan Dragons scrum-half Scott Dureau has been ruled out of Sunday’s Carnegie Challenge Cup quarter-final against Warrington Wolves although fears he has suffered a major injury have been allayed.

The influential Australian, who last week signed a three-year contract extension, went off with a knee injury in last Saturday’s 27-20 Stobart Super League win over Huddersfield Giants in Perpignan.

There were fears Dureau could have been facing a lengthy lay-off but scans have shown there is no ligament damage and he could be back playing in a fortnight.

“There is just meniscus damage,” said coach Trent Robinson. “Obviously it’s not ideal because there is a bit of a tear there but it’s nothing major.

“He won’t need an arthroscope yet and hopefully it will settle down and he will miss only a couple of weeks.”

The Dragons were able to switch utility back Thomas Bosc from the wing to plug the gap short-term against Huddersfield and the experienced French international played a key role in the victory.

Robinson also has the option of bringing in young French half-back William Barthau, who made seven Super League appearances for the club in 2010.

“Will has trained more at half-back than Thomas but Thomas is a lot more experienced,” he said. “We’ll make a decision later in the week.”

Robinson was relieved to avoid further injury against the Giants as the Catalans seek to remain on course for a second trip to Wembley in six years.

Warrington coach Tony Smith, whose side crashed to a 44-16 league defeat in Perpignan on Easter Monday, gambled on resting four regulars for his side’s 24-20 win over Salford City Reds on Sunday.

“Tony took a punt and it paid off,” said Robinson.