LONDON - Bath and Wales forward Taulupe Faletau is expected to miss the start of the Six Nations after suffering medial knee ligament damage, the English Premiership club said on Tuesday.
The British and Irish Lions player was hurt during his side's 24-20 European Champions Cup defeat in Toulon on Saturday and is likely to be sidelined for between 12 and 16 weeks.
“We're really disappointed for Taulupe,” said Bath director of rugby Todd Blackadder.
“He's been in great form this season so it's really unfortunate news. However, he's in great hands with the medical team and we look forward to having him back on the pitch soon.
“These are opportunities where players can step up, and I've been thoroughly impressed by the way the likes of Paul Grant and Zach Mercer have performed over the last few weeks, and I'm sure they'll continue to do so.”
The 27-year-old Faletau has won 70 caps for Wales and featured on the past two Lions Tours.