Taulupe Faletau looks set to miss Wales’ Six Nations campaign after the forward broke his arm for a second time.
The Bath star was returning to action against Wasps at the weekend after fracturing his forearm in October of last year but appears to have suffered another break during Saturday’s 18-16 victory.
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It is believed the 28-year-old suffered a recurrence of his previous injury without knowing, and only discovered the problem when undergoing a medical assessment on Monday.
“I am pretty confident in my arm,” he said before learning the news. “I have done all my rehab and it feels pretty strong, so I have confidence from that and can crack on with the game. I hope to be involved in the next two games and I do as much as I can to be available [for Wales].”
The news comes as a blow to Wales coach Warren Gatland, who is now left short of options at No 8 ahead of the opening Six Nations encounter against France in Paris.
The Dragons star Ross Moriarty is likely to get the nod to fill in after recovering from concussion, while Blues back-rower Joss Navidi remains another option for Gatland, who has a number of injury problems in his squad.
Leigh Halfpenny (concussion), Nicky Smith (ankle) and Dan Lydiate (elbow) are all doubts.
