Cardiff full-back Liam Williams is set to be out until the new year and will miss Wales' autumn internationals after having surgery on his collarbone.
The 31-year-old was one of the club's marquee summer signings and he made a lively start to life at the Arms Park in the opening quarter against Munster on Saturday afternoon. But he then stayed down after being tackled by Calvin Nash and it later transpired that he'd suffered what was initially feared to be a 'significant' injury.
The worst fears of Cardiff boss Dai Young have now been confirmed, with Williams definitely ruled out for three to four months. He will miss Wales' autumn campaign and is a doubt for the Blue and Blacks' festive schedule.
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Williams should return in January but that means his rehabilitation would have to go smoothly in order for him to be available for Wales' Six Nations campaign, which kicks off against Ireland on February 4.
It's a real blow for all concerned. Williams himself will have been hoping for a solid start to a season that will likely end in an appearance at the Rugby World Cup next autumn. Meanwhile, Cardiff lose one of their most potent attacking weapons for a significant chunk of the season.
Up until the turn of the new year, the Arms Park outfit have 11 fixtures, including three Welsh derbies and the start of their European Challenge Cup campaign against Brive and Newcastle in December.
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