Adam Jones was injured in the second half of the 28-25 defeat in Pretoria

The Ospreys say that Wales and Lions tight-head prop Adam Jones is expected back from injury ahead of schedule.

Jones suffered a dislocated shoulder in the second Test defeat by South Africa following a charge by Bakkies Botha.

He was expected to be out until 2010, but is now expected to return before the end of the year, giving him time to get fit before the Six Nations.

"He is ahead of schedule and we are pushing to get him back before the new year," said an Ospreys statement.

Ospreys flanker Ben Lewis has been ruled out for up to six weeks after a knee operation, though.

606: DEBATE What can be done to reverse this injury trend? You can't ban players from the gym, can you? Phil H - BBC Sport

Summer signing Conor McInerney will not be fit until early 2010 following his knee surgery, Rhys Webb (shoulder) also expected back around that time.

Lyndon Bateman (knee) is expected back in a few weeks, Richard Kelly (foot) could be out for up to six weeks, while Tom Isaacs is having a shoulder injury assessed.

Lions doctor's injury worry

*For an investigation into rugby injuries see Sport Wales, Friday, 9 October, BBC TWO Wales, 2200-2230 BST

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