LONDON: Livewire Wales back-three star Liam Williams has undergone foot surgery, leaving him with a potential battle to regain fitness for the World Cup.
The Scarlets full-back has been retained in Wales' World Cup camp, but there is no timescale yet on his recovery.
The 24-year-old has become an integral part of coach Warren Gatland's Wales set-up, and would prove a big loss should he fail to beat the problem in time for the kick-off of the September 18-October 31 World Cup.
"Liam Williams has undergone surgery on a foot complaint. He will continue his World Cup preparations within the Wales camp," the Welsh Rugby Union said in a statement.
Williams dislodged wing Alex Cuthbert in Wales' Six Nations starting line-up, but is equally adept at full-back, his preferred position.
Gatland will be at pains to allow the 23-cap star as much opportunity to recover as possible, with versatility vital in final 31-man World Cup squads.
Wales must already do without centre Jonathan Davies, who will miss the entire tournament with knee ligament damage.
Wales will open their World Cup against Uruguay at the Millennium Stadium on September 20, with further Pool A matches lined up against hosts England, Australia and Fiji.
Wales are already into the second week of their early World Cup preparations near Cardiff.
Kiwi boss Gatland will lead a 15-day high-altitude training camp in Switzerland, before a trip to Doha, Qatar, that precedes August's warm-up fixtures.
Wales will return to Gatland's favourite haunt of Spala in Poland in the midst of their warm-up matches.
Wales must name their final World Cup 31-man squad on August 31, leaving Williams already watching the clock on his return.
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