Chris Towers, Head Physio at the Ospreys explained:
"Andrew, has undergone surgery in an attempt to correct the same longstanding back problem that ruled him out of action last season. It is difficult to predict timescales for a return to action for him, but we are looking at a best-case scenario of around four months.
"Richard chipped a bone in his wrist on the weekend against Castres which is likely to rule him out for the next couple of weeks and the away games against Cardiff and Scarlets. We expect this to settle fairly quickly though and remain optimistic about his prospects of being available for the game against the Scarlets at the Liberty Stadium on 3rd January."
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