Ospreys hopeful over Adam Jones injury

Adam Jones fires out a pass for the Ospreys against the Scarlets on Boxing Day

The Ospreys are hopeful Adam Jones will be available for their New Year's Day game against Cardiff Blues.

The Wales prop sustained a neck injury during the Ospreys' 22-14 Pro12 Boxing Day defeat by the Scarlets.

Ospreys head physio Chris Towers said the 30-year-old had suffered a minor muscle spasm.

"We remain hopeful about his prospects of being available for selection subject to him undergoing a fitness test later in the week," he said.

Jones has been absent for Wales' last two Tests, having come off with a calf injury early on in in their 9-8 World Cup semi-final defeat by France.

Wales have since lost twice to Australia in the renowned scrummager's absence.

They fell to a 21-18 loss to the Wallabies when the World Cup bronze medal was at stake.

And on 3 December, Jones was absent when Shane Williams made his final Wales Test appearance as they lost 24-18.

Jones was also out injured for much of the 2011 Six Nations because of an elbow injury, appearing only in their final tournament game - a defeat by France in Paris.

Wales head coach Gatland already has a concern over Jones' fellow British and Irish Lion Jamie Roberts.

The Cardiff Blues centre is to undergo a scan to determine the severity of the knee injury he suffered in their 28-9 Pro12 win over Newport Gwent Dragons on Friday, 23 December.