Phillips adds to Gatland woes

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Phillips, a star performer during the Lions' gripping Test series against world champions South Africa this summer, faces at least 12 weeks out because of ligament damage.

He limped off before half-time in the Ospreys' 25-24 Heineken Cup victory over French side Clermont Auvergne on Sunday, and is set to undergo further tests this week.

Wales coach Warren Gatland is already without Phillips' fellow Lions Lee Byrne (foot) and Adam Jones (shoulder) for the autumn Tests that start against New Zealand on November 7.

Ospreys physiotherapist Chris Towers said: "Mike had a scan on Monday which was then reviewed with the specialist, who confirmed ligament damage to the distal tib/fib joint.

"Mike will now be subjected to further specialist tests and investigations towards the end of the week, once the pain and swelling has subsided sufficiently to allow it.

"This will put us in a better position to confirm the best course of treatment going forward.

"But it is fair to say that Mike has suffered considerable ligament damage, and the best-case scenario would probably see him sidelined in the region of 10/12 weeks."

And in a further blow for the Ospreys, Phillips' scrum-half colleague Jamie Nutbrown, who replaced him in the Clermont match, has a knee injury that means he is unlikely to play again this year.