Wales lose Shanklin to injury

Wales centre Tom Shanklin has been ruled out of his country's forthcoming Test series after suffering a recurrence of the knee problem that plagued his Lions tour.

The Cardiff Blues star made an appearance against Wasps in last week's Powergen Cup tie but is now expected to be out of action until at least January.

Shanklin's absence adds to the nation's mounting midfield woes.

Gavin Henson is out while Hal Luscombe is a major doubt and Sonny Parker is out of form and struggling with a hamstring problem.

Ceri Sweeney is expected to fill Henson's spot at inside centre but he himself is struggled with groin problems.

Mark Taylor would now seem to be favourite for the number 13 shirt, although captain Gareth Thomas could also move into midfield.

Jamie Robinson, Matthew Watkins, Tom Cheeseman and Dafydd James are also in contention.

"It's obviously a huge disappointment for both ourselves and Wales," said Blues coach Dai Young of Shanklin's injury.

"Tom has not done any further damage to the knee, but he has simply not recovered as we all thought.

"He just needs time for the problem to settle down and we've been told that he'll probably be out until the new year.

"He will not undergo any further treatment. Unfortunately he just needs rest."