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Ex-Wales prop John Davies believes head coach Warren Gatland has plenty of back-up to cope with the loss of Rhodri Jones.

Scarlets' Jones , 23, is out of the start of the World Cup and could miss its entirety with injury.

The tight-head suffered a ruptured pectoral muscle and will undergo surgery, ruling him out for 12 to 16 weeks.

"It's not end of the world but it's not ideal," 34-times capped Davies said.

"But he's [Gatland] got three players in the squad who play tight-head with Samson Lee coming back into fitness.

"Any injury for any squad is not ideal, especially at this time when you are about eight weeks away from the World Cup and we haven't even played a game yet."

First-choice tight-head Lee is currently recovering from a serious Achilles tendon problem suffered during the Six Nations but has been included in a 47-man training squad.

Ospreys' Aaron Jarvis and uncapped Tomas Francis of the Exeter Chiefs are the other tight-head options in the squad.

Jones, who has won 13 Wales caps, missed the 2015 Six Nations after dislocating a shoulder in January and former Scarlets player Davies said he felt sorry for the 23-year-old.

"I saw him a few weeks back and he was looking forward to the pre-season training after what he's been through with injuries," said Davies, who played in the 1995 World Cup.

"It's a shame he's lost a chance to go to the World Cup, but that's the nature of the beast with all this training.

"Some parts are going to give and unfortunately Rhodri's the one who has had this injury.

"Let's hope we don't get any more injuries."

Centre Jonathan Davies has already been sidelined from the World Cup due to injury, while full-back or wing Liam Williams is still recovering following surgery on an injured foot.

After warm-up Tests against Ireland, home and away, and Italy, Wales begin their World Cup campaign against Uruguay on 20 September in Cardiff.

Gatland's side also face hosts England, Australia and Fiji in Group A.