Wales have been dealt an injury blow ahead of the 2025 Six Nations, with captain Dewi Lake ruled out for around three months.
The hooker sustained a bicep injury while training with Ospreys before Christmas and had surgery, with his head coach, Mark Jones, initially stating he would be out for months.
Jones has now been able to give a more accurate update on Lake's injury, claiming he will be out for up to 12 weeks, which could rule him out of the entire Six Nations.
"I think 12 weeks was the high end of it [time frame]," said Jones. "We know the operation went well; there is nothing to suggest he can't beat that target.
"I know Dewi and the quality of the rehabilitation out there now. He has an awesome mindset and is a great professional.
"I texted him over Christmas, and he is set on getting that [time frame] as low as he can."
Wales, who have lost each of their last 12 Tests going into the tournament, begin their Six Nations campaign against France in Paris on January 31, with their final game against England in Cardiff scheduled for March 15.
However, they could have serious problems at hooker, as Ryan Elias, Lake's deputy during the autumn internationals, has missed the last three weeks for Scarlets with a neck injury.
Scarlets are hopeful he will be fit for mid-January, while another option in Elliot Dee made his first appearance of the season for Dragons on Boxing Day after returning from an ankle injury.
