Ospreys and Wales flanker Dan Lydiate could miss start of 2016-17 season with shoulder surgery

Ospreys and Wales flanker Dan Lydiate faces a race to be fit for the start of next season as he needs surgery to correct a shoulder injury.

Lydiate was forced out of Wales' summer tour of New Zealand with the injury, which he suffered in the 27-13 defeat by England at Twickenham on Sunday.

Coach Warren Gatland feared after the game that Lydiate, who had captained the side against England in the absence of Sam Warburton, had injured the AC joint in his shoulder, and that has proved to be the case.

The 28-year-old will go under the knife this weekend, according to Ospreys senior physiotherapist Anthony Carter.

England ease to Wales victory

England scored 17 unanswered second-half points to beat Wales 27-13 at Twickenham on Sunday.

Carter said: "Dan sustained a significant injury to the AC joint in his right shoulder, caused by an impact during the England game on Sunday.

"He's been seen by Richard Evans, shoulder specialist at Spire Cardiff, who confirmed that the shoulder requires stabilisation via surgery, after which there is an expected rehab period of 12-14 weeks."