The IRB player of the year has been ruled out of the Christmas programme and, after having an initial injection, the Ospreys’ medical staff will monitor his progress.

Ospreys coach Sean Holley revealed the region will determine next week whether he is fit for the rest of the Heineken Cup campaign in January.

“At the moment we have given him an injection and we are hoping he will be available for our European games,” said Holley.

“Our physio is even telling me at the moment he could be available for the Magners League match against Munster on January 9.

“But we will know more a week leading up to that match. The initial injury is a bit more severe than we first thought.

“We have taken the sensible view not to risk him over Christmas with some big games coming up.

“Whether it will need further exploration we don’t know yet.”