Wales back-rower Ryan Jones will miss Saturday's opening end-of-year Test with Argentina at the Millennium Stadium due to a shoulder injury.
The Ospreys stalwart was forced to fly back to Wales from the national team's training camp in Poland last week for scans on his troublesome shoulder.
After receiving the scans Wales' medical staff decided Jones needs further rest to fully recover from the injury.
The 31-year-old is, however, expected to be available for selection when Wales face Samoa in Cardiff on November 16.
Jones is the latest casualty in Wales camp ahead of their upcoming international programme which also includes Tests against New Zealand and Australia.
Newport Gwent Dragons flanker Dan Lydiate will not play for Wales again this year after breaking and dislocating his ankle on regional duty while veteran tighthead prop Adam Jones will also miss the upcoming Tests due to a knee injury.
Jones and Lydiate's absence could open the door for Scarlets blindside flanker Aaron Shingler to cement his place in the run-on side.
Caretaker coach Rob Howley could, however, move skipper Sam Warburton into the number six position and include Justin Tipuric on the openside.
Wales will name their team to face Argentina on Tuesday.
Comments
makemehappy says...
Not quite sure they have the advantage based on current form!!!???
Posted 13:15 06th November 2012
PontySurrey says...
ABlack - where does it say that Wales think they are favourites?
Posted 11:28 06th November 2012
makemehappy says...
I thought we'd established he was going to miss the test a while ago! Big loss without a doubt.
Posted 21:59 05th November 2012
ABlack says...
This Argentina test is a very dangerous game for Wales. Based on the Argies performances in the RC, Im picking the Argies to win by 3 points or thereabouts. I cant see why Wales think they are favourites as based on current form and very recent rugby the Argies have the advantage.
Posted 19:47 05th November 2012