Wayne Blackshear (shoulder), Kevin Ware (suspension) out vs. Pitt

Wayne Blackshear will be sidelined with a shoulder injury, while Kevin Ware is also out vs. Pitt on Monday. (Getty)

This is exactly what Louisville didn't need.

After losing three in a row since being ranked No. 1 in the country, the Cardinals face a prove-it type of game against Pittsburgh on Monday night. Given its struggles, Louisville needed all hands on deck for this one. One more loss, and thoughts of a No. 1 seed are suddenly a long way away.

And then this happened:

Louisville's Wayne Blackshear (shoulder sprain) & Kevin Ware (suspension) will miss tonight's game vs Pittsburgh tinyurl.com/amlknet #L1C4

— Kenny Klein (@KKcards) January 28, 2013

According to university spokesman Kenny Klein, Wayne Blackshear suffered the injury during practice on Sunday, while Kevin Ware is suspended indefinitely for an “unspecified reason.”

Blackshear, a former five-star recruit in high school, has been a starter on the wing for Louisville this season. He is averaging 9.2 points and 3.9 rebounds, but could be sidelined for a few games. Ware, a 6-foot-2 guard, has provided athleticism and defensive aggressiveness off the bench. There is normally not much drop-off in terms of full-court pressure when he's in the game.

With these two guys out, Louisville's vaunted depth takes a major hit. Big men Montrezl Harrell, Stephan Van Treese and Zach Price are essentially the only options off the bench for Rick Pitino on Monday night.

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