Ospreys pair Jeff Hassler and Tyler Ardron face spells out with injury

Image source, Huw Evans picture agency

Image caption, Jeff Hassler was stretchered off late in the first half of the Ospreys victory against Cardiff Blues

Ospreys' Canadian pair Tyler Ardron and Jeff Hassler are both facing a spell out after picking up injuries.

Wing Hassler, 25, will be out for six to nine months but will not need surgery on an Achilles injury sustained in the win against Cardiff Blues.

Back-rower Ardron, 25, dislocated his thumb during the Ospreys' defeat by Ulster and will require surgery.

The club's medical performance manager Chris Towers says Ardron will be out for up to eight weeks with the injury.

"Jeff's is obviously a real long-term injury and it's come off the back of an injury that interrupted the season last year so it is really disappointing for the guy because he was coming into real form," said head coach Steve Tandy.

"Tyler is the same. He's started the season really well, but we are hoping he will be back sooner rather than later."