Back-row Jonathan Thomas is a key part of Wales' line-out

Wales back-row Jonathan Thomas has been ruled out of the autumn international series because of a groin injury.

Thomas will need to undergo surgery to repair the problem, which also forces him out of the Ospreys' Heineken Cup match with Perpignan on Saturday.

The 25-year-old's absence will be a blow to Wales coach Warren Gatland, as Thomas is a key part of the line-out.

Ospreys physio Chris Towers said: "Jon will undergo an operation on Friday and faces a possible six week lay-off."

The loss of 46-cap Thomas could possibly see a return to the Wales starting line-up for Michael Owen, the Lions back-row who moved from Newport Gwent Dragons to Saracens in the summer.

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Owen, Cardiff Blues' Andy Powell or perhaps even the likes of Alix Popham or veteran Colin Charvis could plug the gap in Gatland's back-row.

Gloucester back-row Gareth Delve is also sidelined at the moment, while Dafydd Jones is out of favour at the Scarlets.

Captain Ryan Jones could be shifted from number eight to fill Thomas' place at blind-side to accommodate another specialist eight.

Wales face world champions South Africa in Cardiff on 8 November, then Canada, New Zealand and Australia on successive weekends.

Thomas is also now a doubt for the Ospreys' third-round Heineken Cup match at home to Benetton Treviso on 6 December.

"Jonathan has been suffering from an ongoing groin injury that although up until now hasn't stopped him playing has gradually worsened," Towers added.

"Having assessed his condition on Wednesday a decision was made to refer him to a specialist today (Thursday), who has identified the need for surgery."

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