Wales coach Warren Gatland may be dealt another major injury blow ahead of his team's autumn Test series opener against New Zealand.

With less than three weeks to go before Wales face the All Blacks, Gatland is now sweating on British and Irish Lions scrum-half Mike Phillips' fitness. Gatland has already lost Phillips' fellow Lions Lee Byrne (foot) and Adam Jones (shoulder) from his November plans, in addition to prop John Yapp (torn biceps) and lock Ian Evans (torn tendon).

Phillips became the latest concern when he limped off with an ankle problem before half-time in the Ospreys' 25-24 Heineken Cup victory over Clermont Auvergne.

Gatland was among the Liberty Stadium crowd that saw Phillips depart. He appeared to be hurt during build-up play to the Ospreys' second try.

The Swansea-based side raced into a 19-point lead - they headed Pool Three opponents Leicester by 18 points last weekend before being held to a draw - and then found themselves hanging on.

"Clearly, it was nerve-wracking, and we were just glad to get over the line," said Ospreys coach Sean Holley.

"We knew at half-time that they would come back at us, and they did that, but we did extremely well and showed some resolve to get back in front at the end.

"Like last week, we probably should have pushed on and got the bonus point, but we are in a good position in the group."