The Ospreys believe Alun Wyn Jones could be out injured for just three weeks – and not the six suggested by Wales coach Warren Gatland.
Jones missed the final match of the Six Nations because of a foot injury which Gatland revealed his second row had been carrying for some time.
A six-week rest period was the coach’s prediction – which would have ruled him out of most of his region’s Guinness Pro12 run-in – but the Ospreys are less inclined to write the player off.
“Alun Wyn is probably going to be out for the next couple of weeks,” said Ospreys head coach Steve Tandy.
“We’ll review where he is after that. We are awaiting clarification on how long it is going to take for him to get back up and running.
“There’s a time frame on it, but he’s under assessment and he will have a couple of injections.”
Both Jones and Wales flanker Justin Tipuric will miss Saturday’s Pro12 derby clash at home to the Scarlets.
Tipuric was treated for concussion after falling awkwardly against Italy when challenging for the ball at a line-out.
He took a heavy concussion,” said Tandy.
“He has to go through the different stages of the protocols, but at the moment he’s still pretty banged up.
“We have to put Justin’s welfare at the centre of things, so we won’t be rushing him back. He’s going to definitely miss the weekend and we’ll review it as he goes along.
“It was such a heavy knock he spent the night in hospital. With these head injuries and concussions you have to put the player at the centre of any decision regarding selection.”
Another Ospreys forward, Tyler Ardron, is also receiving treatment for a knee injury, though the Ospreys hope he will be available.
