PARIS (AFP) - Wales suffered a Six Nations setback on Friday when scrum-half Mike Phillips was virtually ruled out of the start of the tournament after undergoing surgery to repair his damaged ankle ligaments.

The 27-year-old Ospreys and Lions player was already expected to miss the autumn internationals, but is now likely to be out for four months.

"Mike Phillips will undergo surgery to repair ligament damage. As a result, he is looking at a four-month lay-off," said an Ospreys statement.

Phillips was injured in the European Cup win over Clermont last weekend.

Wales begin their Six Nations campaign against England in Twickenham on February 6.

On Thursday, Wales' back row forward Michael Owen was ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee ligament injury.

The 28-year-old suffered the injury during Saracens European Challenge Cup defeat at Toulon.