Scarlets and Wales three-quarter Mark Jones is a doubt for the start of the Six Nations after undergoing an operation to remove his appendix.
The winger from Builth Wells, 29, is one of his country's most experienced players, with 12 tries from 43 caps.
Jones faces a few weeks out, with Wales' Six Nations defence starting in Scotland on Sunday, 8 February.
The news contributes to a three-quarter crisis at the Scarlets, Dafydd James, Gavin Evans and Rob Higgitt all out.
Coach Nigel Davies has promised a summer recruitment drive, having been forced to turn to the Welsh Premier and to play fly-halves out of position in the three-quarters in recent weeks.
The news will also be a blow to Wales coach Warren Gatland, just a day after he received good news on winger Shane Williams' injury.
606: DEBATE" What are the wide options open to Wales? "
The International Rugby Board Player of the Year was rumoured to be a Six Nations doubt after injuring his shoulder last month, but the Ospreys said he could return as early as this Friday.
Other wing options for Wales include Leigh Halfpenny, Tom James, Jamie Roberts, Morgan Stoddart and Richard Fussell.
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