Blow for Owen and Ospreys

Ospreys back Gareth Owen is likely to miss the whole of next season after suffering what has been described as “a substantial injury” in training.

Owen underwent knee surgery yesterday, and he will face a further operation to repair and reconstruct his cruciate knee ligament.

The 22-year-old, who has made 50 appearances for the Swansea-based side, was a key part of Ospreys’ plans for the new campaign.

“It was a bit of a freak accident resulting in him twisting his knee, sustaining a substantial injury,” said Ospreys physiotherapist Chris Towers.

“As a result of this he will, in all likelihood, be out of action for the whole of the 2011-12 season.

“Thursday’s operation was the first part of what will be a two-stage surgical procedure to repair the damage and then reconstruct the cruciate ligament.”