Ospreys winger Nikki Walker will miss the IRB Rugby World Cup in New Zealand next month on account of the knee injury he sustained in the closing stages of last night's game against Italy at Murrayfield.
T he 24-times capped Walker, 29, was consoled by his team-mates and members of management when news was announced to the Scotland squad today.
Scotland team doctor James Robson said:
“Nikki has sustained damage to the medial collateral ligament in his right knee.
“He was seen by knee specialist, consultant Graham Lawson, at the Spire Murrayfield Hospital last night and scans revealed the specific ligament damage and additional areas of concern.
“Nikki will now undergo further assessment on those areas as the knee settles from the initial insult. The assessment will take place on his return to his club, the Ospreys, under the care of the Ospreys medical team, led by Chris Towers.
“The ligament damage rules him out of selection for Rugby World Cup.”
Scotland head coach Andy Robinson said:
“Nikki has worked exceptionally hard in training and some of the running lines he made yesterday when he came off the bench were first-class.
“It’s obviously disappointing for Nikki. We all feel for him but injuries do happen in sport and you just have to deal with them. We wish Nikki a speedy recovery.”