Phillips has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering a tear to the anterior cruciate ligament and a grade-two tear to the medial collateral ligament during last weekend’s EDF Energy Cup semi-final victory over Saracens, it was confirmed today.
The Welsh international will undergo surgery next week to repair the damage. It is anticipated that he will make a full recovery and return to action after a six month lay-off.
Ospreys Head Coach Lyn Jones said: “This is very disappointing news for both Mike personally and for the Ospreys, particularly coming at a time when both his form and confidence have been high. We wish him well for the operation, and for a speedy recovery, and we look forward to seeing him on the field in Ospreys colours again soon.”
Ospreys Physio Chris Towers said: “Mike has damaged two ligaments, causing considerable laxity in the knee. Having seen the specialist yesterday, the opinion is that the treatment of choice is for him is to undergo surgery to repair both ligaments in order to ensure the best functional outcome.
“After his operation he’ll be looking at a six month rehabilitation period, which means that hopefully we’ll be seeing him back in action by October.”
“The injury happened when he received an impact to the outside of his right knee. He wanted to stay on and continue playing, which is an indication that Mike is a pretty tough cookie, but it was clear that there was a problem and our worst fears have been confirmed.”
Wales attack coach Rob Howley says Mike Phillips has the mental toughness to bounce back from injury in time for the 2008 Invesco Perpetual Series at the Millennium Stadium this Autumn.
Phillips will miss the Grand Slam winning side’s summer tour to World Cup holders South Africa this June after knee ligament damage, picked up during his outing for the Ospreys last weekend, ruled him out of action for the next six months.
But Howley is backing him to return in time for the return visit of the Springboks, which will contest the Prince William Cup Trophy in November.
“Mike has been in a rich vein of form throughout the Six Nations and has proved to us all what a top quality player he is,” said Howley.
“Long term injuries like this are a blow whenever they occur and it will be a test of Mike’s mental toughness and motivation for him to make sure he comes back to the same standard he had reached when he picked up the injury.
“Mike will be eager to get back on his feet and he’ll work as hard as ever to get himself back to the top level and, hopefully, he will be available to us again in the Autumn.
“In the meantime we have good cover in his position with both Dwayne Peel and Gareth Cooper now likely to be in the frame.”
