Jenkins injury blow for Wales
Gethin Jenkins has been ruled out of the autumn internationals due to injury.
Wales have suffered yet another blow as they prepare for the autumn internationals, with Gethin Jenkins the latest player to pick up a serious injury.
Jenkins, who was at the heart of Wales' glorious Grand Slam triumph earlier in the year, has been ruled out for at least two months with shoulder ligament damage.
The required rehabilitation time after surgery almost certainly rules the Cardiff Blues prop out of Wales' forthcoming fixtures against New Zealand, Fiji, South Africa and Australia.
"The operation went well, but the minimum he will be out is two months, so he is definitely out of the autumn internationals," confirmed Wales physiotherapist Mark Davies.
Wales team manager Alan Phillips added: "It is bad news, but we just have to get on and deal with it."
The news is a bitter blow to swallow for coach Mike Ruddock, who now faces the prospect of going into the first Test against New Zealand without three key players in Jenkins, Gavin Henson and Shane Williams.
The two influential backs are both suffering from groin problems, as the effects of the Lions tour continue to take their toll on the Wales squad.
Henson is hopeful of a timely return, but speedster Williams is fast emerging as a serious doubt, with Ospreys assistant coach Sean Holley admitting: "It is a worry because Shane just hasn't been able to shake off the problem, but it is still our hope that he will be fit for the Heineken Cup and then for Wales in the Autumn."
