Wales have been handed another injury blow ahead of the autumn with Dewi Lake appearing to be a major doubt after picking up a shoulder injury against the Dragons.
The Ospreys hooker departed after just 15 minutes of the dramatic URC clash at Rodney Parade, holding his arm tight to his torso as he left the field. He wasn't the only injury concern for the Ospreys and Wales, with George North also limping off before the hour mark with a knee problem.
Speaking afterwards, Ospreys coach Toby Booth confirmed that Lake's injury didn't look good, but was more optimistic about North's knock.
READ MORE: Dragons 32-25 Ospreys: Wales call-up Rio Dyer shines as Dragons win frantic derby
"He's hurt his shoulder," said Booth when asked about Lake. "It doesn't look great to be honest.
"We'll see. He's tough as we know. It looks like an AC joint issue for him.
"Rhys Webb failed a HIA. George North came off injured as well, with his knee.
"I don't think that's too serious, I hope, but as the competition went on, it stiffened up and he became immobile. We had to change him as well.
"We were on the receiving end of some injury battle scars, as you'd expect in a Welsh derby."
Were Lake to miss out, he'd likely be replaced in the squad by Dragons hooker Bradley Roberts, who shone in a try-scoring performance for Dai Flanagan's side. As for North, Wales coach Wayne Pivac will be hoping that it isn't too serious - with the two-time Lions tourist in fine form and Wales currently suffering with other injury problems in the backs division.
Josh Adams and Alex Cuthbert are doubt for the match against New Zealand, meaning North might have been considered to start on the wing. However, the scintillating form of new call-up Rio Dyer for the Dragons - scoring twice against the Ospreys - could ease those woes a little.
"George by his standards has got better each week, the more we've put him out there," added Booth. "He's starting to hit top form which is great.
"Hopefully it's not too bad for him. I'm sure he'll be fit."
Dragons coach Dai Flanagan played down his own side's injuries after the 32-25 victory.
READ NEXT:
Dragons 32-25 Ospreys: Wales call-up Rio Dyer shines as Dragons win frantic derby
Rhys Carre perplexed by Wales axe as Cardiff boss David Young insists reason given 'wasn't accurate'
Sunday rugby news as Wayne Pivac raves about new young Wales fly-half
Welsh rugby clubs to vote on significant proposal as WRU admit 'we need to change'
