CRONULLA’S injury woes have worsened ahead of Monday night’s clash against the Rabbitohs, with captain Paul Gallen ruled out.

Gallen had been playing with needles for the last two weeks due to a badly bruised hip.

However, recent scans on the injury also revealed a muscle tear.

Gallen’s absence is a huge blow for the Sharks, who also lost Andrew Fifita (suspension) and David Fifita (cracked fibula) earlier in the week.

IS GALLEN IN YOUR SUPERCOACH SIDE? MAKE CHANGES TO YOUR TEAM HERE

Gal turns up with a limp. Here's why @PaulGallen13 pic.twitter.com/OgmcTkJKBY — Triple M NRL (@TripleM_NRL) April 12, 2015

Tinirau Arona is expected to come into the 17.

Gallen’s injury is not considered serious and he will come into contention for next Sunday’s clash against the Panthers at Pepper Stadium.

The injury caps a nightmare fortnight for the NSW skipper, who also spent time in hospital last week due to illness.

Gallen is in the process of negotiating a contract extension at the Sharks.