Gwen Crabb has suffered with knee injuries throughout her career and has had four surgeries
Gwen Crabb will miss Wales' final game of the Women's Six Nations against Italy with a knee injury.
The 26-year-old second row had impressed in the opening three rounds, topping the tournament charts for turnovers,. a knock in training saw her miss the trip to Ireland last weekend.
Results of scan have now ruled her out of Sunday's game at Cardiff Arms Park (12:15 BST).
"Gwen hasn't come through sadly, she's been going really well," said Wales head coach Sean Lynn."
Guinness Women's Six Nations
Sunday, 17 May, kick-off 12:15 BST
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Crabb will also miss the Barbarians game on 27 June due to a scheduled operation to treat endometriosis,a condition she has spoken openly about.
Georgia Evans made her first start if the campaign in Crabb's absence last week. will likely keep her starting place against the Azzurre having completed 28 tackles, more than any other player in round four.
Lynn also has the experience of Natalia John. who won her 50th cap against Ireland, to draw upon as Wales look to end a nine-match losing streak in the Six Nations.
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