Wales' injury count mounts

INJURY UPDATE: Ospreys forwards Nicky Smith and Dan Lydiate are injury doubts for the start of Wales' Six Nations campaign.

The pair have both missed recent matches, Lydiate not featuring for the Ospreys since the win over Connacht at the October after suffering an elbow injury on international duty in November.

While Smith suffered an ankle injury in the Challenge Cup win over Stade Francais at the Liberty Stadium earlier this month.

Asked after Sunday’s Dragons match about their likely availability, Ospreys head coach Allen Clarke confirmed they will be out for between four to six weeks.

"They are long-termers so they won't be in the picture for a few weeks yet. They will be out for a minimum of four to six weeks.

"Dan has suffered a recurrence of his injury so they are looking at that."

The duo's injuries are bad news for Wales head coach Warren Gatland who is already sitting with a long injury list which includes the likes of Rhys Patchell (hamstring), Jake Ball (shoulder), Leigh Halfpenny (concussion), Liam Williams (hamstring), Taulupe Faletau (broken arm).

Wales open their Six Nations campaign against France in Paris on Friday, February 1.

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