Alex Cuthbert is out of Wales’ tour to New Zealand this summer after undergoing a knee operation.
The Cardiff Blues player is expected to be sidelined for at least 12 weeks, putting him out of contention for the June trip which includes three Tests against the All Blacks.
The news will come as a blow to Wales coach Warren Gatland, who had kept faith with Cuthbert during the World Cup and then having dropped him, restored him to the team during the Six Nations.
Cuthbert, 25, injured his heel in the penultimate game of the tournament against England and was expected to miss 10 weeks of action for the Blues.
But now the Blues have revealed the decision was taken to deal with an additional knee problem. Cuthbert flew to see a specialist in Sweden and has undergone surgery on the ligament in his right knee.
“Alex was already out of action with a heel injury and due to the length of time he was set to miss the decision has been taken for him to also have surgery on his knee,” said Blues head coach Danny Wilson.
“Clearly, Alex will be disappointed to miss the end of this season with Cardiff Blues and the chance to go on the summer tour with Wales to New Zealand.
“However, this decision has been taken for his long-term health and so we wish him well as he commences his rehabilitation.”
Cuthbert’s injuries mean he may well have played his last match for the Blues as there remains a good deal of uncertainty over his future.
The Lions tourist – who has scored 37 tries in 79 games for the Blues – turned down a dual WRU-regional contract last year and has also rejected a contract offer put on the table by the Blues themselves.
As for the tour, Gatland is already hoping that long term casualties Leigh Halfpenny and Scott Williams can show enough in the remaining weeks of the season to merit their selection.
He also has fresh concerns over forward pair Alun Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric – both of whom have been told to rest. Jones has a long-standing foot injury, while Tipuric was concussed in the final match of the Six Nations against Italy.
