The Scarlets will be without international back row man Dafydd Jones until early in the New Year after he damaged his shoulder against New Zealand last weekend.
The 30-year-old, who came on as a second half replacement to win his 42nd cap in the 19-12 defeat at the Millennium Stadium, underwent surgery today and will miss the back-to-back Heineken Cup clashes next month with reigning champions Leinster.
The injury also means he will miss the remainder of Wales' Invesco Perpetual Series and will also miss the Scarlets' Magners League games against Edinburgh, the Ospreys and the Dragons over the Christmas period.
"Dafydd sprung his A/C joint on Saturday and the severity of the injury has led to him undergoing a repair," said Wales physio Mark Davies.
"The prospects for recovery are good and we would anticipate him returning to play early in the New Year."
