Wales scrum-half Rhys Webb out for 12 weeks with ankle injury

By PA Sport

Image: Rhys Webb is carried from the field after injuring himself against Australia

Wales scrum-half Rhys Webb faces a battle to be fit for the start of this season's Six Nations Championship after it was confirmed he requires surgery on his injured ankle.

The Ospreys player will undergo the procedure on Friday after he incurred the problem during Wales' 32-8 defeat against Australia in Cardiff last weekend.

Wales centre Jamie Roberts hopes to be part of next summer's Lions tour of New Zealand

The Welsh Rugby Union confirmed in a statement that Webb suffered ligament damage and it is expected to be out of action for "at least 12 weeks".

Warren Gatland's side begin their Six Nations campaign against Italy in Rome on February 5.

Webb, who has won 23 caps and is regarded as a major contender for next summer's British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand, missed the 2015 World Cup because of injury.

Advertisement
Image: Gareth Davies replaces Webb in the starting XV against Argentina

The 27-year-old suffered a serious foot injury during Wales' final tournament warm-up game and was forced to miss the entire competition.

Also See:

Scarlets scrum-half Gareth Davies, who proved an outstanding replacement for Webb at the World Cup, will line up in the No 9 shirt against Principality Stadium visitors Argentina on Saturday.

Outbrain