Thursday 18 May 2017 14:23, UK
Ken Owens will miss Scarlets' PRO12 play-off on Friday with an ankle injury, raising doubts about his participation on the Lions tour.
The Wales international was one of three hookers named in Warren Gatland's squad ahead of England captain Dylan Hartley.
But the injury, which was suffered during training with the Scarlets this week, will keep him out of the semi-final against Leinster, live on Sky Sports, and makes him doubtful for the final in Dublin on May 27.
Owens' ankle has already been assessed by the Lions' medical staff and they will reassess him ahead of next week's training get-together in Ireland.
The Lions are set to leave for their 10-game New Zealand tour on May 29 but assistant coach Neil Jenkins is optimistic Owens will be available.
"It's rugby at the end of the day. Stuff does happen and players get injured," Jenkins said.
"Hopefully, Ken is going to be fine, although he is missing a big game for the Scarlets this weekend. With a bit of luck, everything is going to be okay for the Lions."
Fellow Lions hooker Rory Best said: "We heard that today. From his point of view, to miss a semi-final is going to be gutting.
"I hope he recovers and he is fit to play in the PRO12 final next week, or to train with us in Dublin."
Gatland has drawn up a list of standby players but said earlier this week he would not make it public to avoid "backing ourselves into a corner".
The Lions play their first tour game against a Provincial XV on June 3, live on Sky Sports, and have five further warm-ups before the first Test on June 24.
