Wales hooker Ken Owens is set to miss the November rugby union internationals and be sidelined for around three months as he undergoes neck surgery.
The Scarlets revealed on Friday that Owens, who sustained the problem during a training session, will go under the knife next week and be sidelined for up to 12 weeks.
The 27-year-old, who has won 26 caps, has been an important part of Wales coach Warren Gatland's plans since he made his debut during the 2011 World Cup.
He started both of Wales' summer Tests against South Africa and was expected to battle for the number two shirt with Richard Hibbard in November, when Gatland's men face Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and South Africa.
"Unfortunately, Ken injured his neck in a training session a week last Tuesday," Scarlets head of performance Andrew Walker said.
"Following thorough investigations, the scans have confirmed that he's injured a disc in his neck.
"After a thorough process, involving consultations with three neck specialists, we have decided that surgery is the best course of action."
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