This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Cardiff City manager Neil Warnock has not only got an opening day defeat in the Championship to contend with, but goalkeeper Neil Etheridge picked up a hamstring injury that will keep him sidelined for up to two months, as reported by Sun journalist Alan Nixon on Twitter.

Etheridge limped off in the season opener against Wigan on 56 minutes, with the Bluebirds leading 1-0, in a match that they went on to lose 3-2, being replaced between the sticks by new signing Joe Day.

So how big a blow will the loss of Etheridge be for Cardiff?

We discuss........

Josh Cole

"This news is without doubt a huge blow for Cardiff whose preparations for the new campaign have been centred around Etheridge being their first-choice keeper.

"A mainstay in the Bluebirds’ side last season, the 29-year-old was one of their most impressive performers with his consistency in between the sticks resulting in him being able to keep 10 clean sheets in the top-flight.

"Now back in the Championship following Cardiff’s relegation, Etheridge would have been confident that he could continue his fine form by playing an integral part in helping the club secure a positive start to the season.

"Yet given that he is now being forced to watch on from the sidelines, it will be intriguing to see whether summer signing Joe Day or Alex Smithies is selected by Warnock to replace the shot-stopper with both players possessing unique skill sets."

Ned Holmes

“This is a huge blow, because he is a player of real quality.

“Etheridge was fantastic for Cardiff last season, impressing despite the Bluebirds’ struggles in the Premier League.

“Alex Smithies looks set to be the man to step up for Warnock’s side and while he is a good Championship ‘keeper, there will be a drop in quality.

“The slight silver lining is that it means that the club are likely safe from a late swoop for Etheridge from any Premier League sides.”

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Gary Hutchinson

“Yes, this is a blow. He’s their number one keeper and the last thing you need is to lose your stopper.

“I think there could be a silver lining here, depending on who they entrust to take his place. They picked up Joe Day in the summer and I think he is Championship quality.

“He’s a great shot stopper and he’s good when commanding his area as well. If he gets a chance, he might just impress.

“Injuries to keepers are always a big blow, but given the nature of the position it’s also a great chance for an understudy to show his worth. I think Cardiff are covered in terms of a reserve stopper.”