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Alun Wyn Jones out for "weeks not days" with knee issue

Alun Wyn Jones out for
© Reuters
The 35-year-old lock forward is Test rugby's most capped player.

Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones faces an absence of "weeks not days" after being injured on international duty.

The 35-year-old Ospreys lock forward, Test rugby's most capped player, has had a scan on the knee he injured during Wales' Autumn Nations Cup victory against Italy last Saturday.

"He's had a scan and we're assessing what that means," said Ospreys head coach Toby Booth.

Wales v Italy – Autumn Nations Cup – Parc y Scarlets
Alun Wyn Jones suffered a knee injury in the Autumn Nations Cup victory over Italy (David Davies/PA)

"From a time out point of view it's going to be weeks not days, which is disappointing for everybody."

Jones will miss the start of the Ospreys' European Challenge campaign against Castres Olympique on Saturday.

Wales' Six Nations opener is against Ireland in Cardiff on February 7, just over eight weeks away.

The absence of the 152-times capped Jones would be a huge blow for Wales head coach Wayne Pivac, who struggled for wins during his first year in charge.

Wales v Georgia – Autumn Nations Cup – Parc y Scarlets
Wales head coach Wayne Pivac had a difficult first year in charge in 2020 and will not want to be without captain Alun Wyn Jones (David Davies/PA)

Pivac managed only three Test victories in 2020, against Italy twice and Georgia, and oversaw Wales' worst Six Nations campaign since 2007.

On the length of Jones' possible absence, Booth said: "I can't answer that question because I don't know until we get the full picture on the scan and the recommendations of the consultants.

"Wales will be involved as he was in their charge if you like, and there's a few people who need to compare notes.

"But we play a tough sport and unfortunately it's part of the business we're in."

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Wales head coach Wayne Pivac pictured in October 2020
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