The Chiefs' injury woes are nearing a critical point after captain Mils Muliaina broke his thumb in Saturday's Super 14 rugby defeat of the Highlanders.

Veteran All Black fullback Muliaina will be sidelined for a minimum of three weeks and a worst case scenario could see him miss the remainder of their campaign after suffering the injury in the first of half of the 27-21 win.

He played out the remainder of the game in considerable pain, with the thumb fully strapped.

A scan on Monday should reveal whether the injury is a simple break, which could see him back playing later this month, or a dislocation, which may require a pin insertion and a longer recovery time.

"It's definitely broken," Muliaina said.

"I will have x-rays on Monday and could be under the knife next week."

It was just his fourth game this season after being allowed to sit out the team's three-match road trip that kick-started their campaign.

His absence adds to an injury list that saw several key players miss last night's win, which has the Chiefs climb into sixth place.

Winger Sitiveni Sivivatu (knee), flanker Tanerau Latimer (knee) and prop Nathan White (back strain) may return for Friday's match against the Bulls in Hamilton but hooker Aled de Malmanche (thumb fracture), prop James McGougan (back) and lock Kevin O'Neill (Achilles tendon) will be sidelined for several weeks yet.

Adding to coach Ian Foster's headaches were blows last night to hooker Hika Elliot (neck) and five-eighth Stephen Donald (head knock) which has them in doubt to face the defending champions from South Africa.

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