Wales and Ospreys wing Eli Walker has been ruled out of the remainder of the season after undergoing back surgery.

It’s another blow for Walker whose career has been derailed by a series of injuries since he was left out, then brought into, then forced to withdraw from the 2015 World Cup squad.

The 24-year-old has been sidelined since November when he suffered a foot injury during the Anglo-Welsh Cup win over Cardiff Blues, and a back injury delayed his return to action.

Ospreys medical performance manager Chris Towers said: “The back injury Eli sustained at the end of December has failed to settle and, as a result, the decision has been made to proceed, and manage him, surgically.

“As a result, he will take no further part this season.”

Walker has scored 23 tries in 81 appearances for the Ospreys since making his debut in 2010, and won his only Wales cap against Ireland in August 2015.