Faletau could miss Wales' autumn Tests after suffering a broken arm

Taulupe Faletau could miss Wales' autumn Tests after suffering a broken arm.

Bath have confirmed the injury to their star number eight, which happened during last Friday's Gallagher Premiership game against Exeter.

Although no timescale has so far been put on his recovery, it is potentially a major blow for Bath and Wales as he could realistically face a number of weeks sidelined.

Bath kick off their Heineken Champions Cup campaign against Toulouse on Saturday, while Wales' autumn series opener against Scotland is on November 3, followed by appointments with Australia, Tonga and South Africa.

Bath tweeted: "Bath Rugby can confirm that Taulupe Faletau broke his arm during last week's Gallagher Premiership fixture against Exeter Chiefs. We wish him a speedy recovery."

Faletau, 27, went off during the second half of Bath's 39-24 home defeat to the Chiefs.

Bath also face Wasps in the Champions Cup this month before they resume Premiership action by tackling Worcester on November 17.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland, meanwhile, is set to name his autumn Test squad early next week.

Back-row is one of Wales' strongest areas, with Ross Moriarty and Josh Navidi among Gatland's number eight options if Faletau is unavailable for selection.

The potential loss, though, of a player with 72 caps and who started all three Tests for the British and Irish Lions against New Zealand last year, would be a significant setback.