Bishop blow for Wales

Wales coach Warren Gatland has been dealt another injury blow ahead of the RBS 6 Nations Championship.

Ospreys centre Andrew Bishop could be sidelined for up to eight weeks after suffering ankle ligament damage during a Magners League game against Cardiff Blues a fortnight ago.

Bishop, who provided midfield bench cover during the autumn Tests this term, was expected to secure a place in Gatland's Six Nations squad when it is announced on January 24.

His absence follows that of prop Gethin Jenkins, who has been ruled out of the entire tournament with a toe injury, while scrum-half Richie Rees is banned until late March.

On a positive note for Gatland, though, Wales full-back Lee Byrne is set to begin his comeback from injury off the Ospreys bench against Heineken Cup opponents London Irish on Sunday.

Wing Shane Williams, meanwhile, could feature when the Ospreys conclude their Heineken Cup pool campaign against Toulon next weekend.

Williams, a former world player of the year, has been out since suffering a shoulder injury during Wales' loss to South Africa two months ago.

Assessing Bishop's injury, Ospreys physiotherapist Chris Towers said: "We have now been able to establish the full extent of the ligament damage sustained through an MRI scan.

"In light of the location of the injury, we are anticipating that he could be out of action for up to eight weeks."