Joe Launchbury is out of the Lions' summer tour of South Africa after it was confirmed he's suffered a knee ligament injury.
The England lock limped off during his club Wasps' win against Bath in the Gallagher Premiership on Sunday and scans this morning confirmed ACL damage to his left knee.
Launchbury missed out on selection for the Lions' trips to Australia in 2013 and New Zealand in 2017 and he'll miss the games against the Springboks this summer.
"Joe Launchbury sustained a complete rupture of his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during Sunday's game against Bath Rugby," Wasps announced in a statement.
"He has had a consultation with a knee specialist, who has confirmed that he will require surgery. Everyone at Wasps wishes Joe all the best for a speedy recovery."
Experienced Wales back George North is also a major doubt for the tour after sustaining a leg injury during the Ospreys' clash with Cardiff in the Rainbow Cup at the weekend.
Lions head-coach Warren Gatland is set to name his squad next week.
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