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The Ospreys are hopeful their star winger Shane Williams will be fit for their Celtic League clash with leaders Munster on January 9.

Wales international Williams (pictured) injured his right shoulder playing against Treviso earlier this month and misses the New Year's Eve Celtic League showdown at Cardiff Blues.

The IRB's player of the year was also absent for the Ospreys' 20-6 league win over the Scarlets at the weekend.

If Williams fails to return for the Munster game, the Ospreys expect him to be ready for the following week's Heineken Cup match against Perpignan.

That will give the try ace three weeks to prepare for Wales' Six Nations opener against Scotland in Edinburgh on February 8.

"Shane Williams is recovering from a shoulder impingement problem that he reported to the medical team following the second Treviso match," the Ospreys said in a statement on their website.

"The problem is affecting one of the rotator cuff tendons in his right shoulder and after being reviewed by a shoulder specialist has had treatment to try and help settle his symptoms in the short term.

"If he responds well to the treatment he should be available for consideration for either the Munster or Perpignan fixture in January."

Williams is crucial to Wales' chances of defending their Six Nations crown and coach Warren Gatland will be monitoring his progress closely.

The Ospreys are currently second in the Celtic League, three points adrift of Munster.

Terence O'Rorke / Eurosport