Ospreys back James Hook has won 42 caps for Wales

James Hook could be forced out of Wales' three Tests this summer because of a shoulder problem.

The Ospreys star, who has impressed at centre and full-back for Wales, may need an operation to cure the problem.

That would rule the 24-year-old out of the 5 June clash with South Africa in Cardiff and the two-Test tour to New Zealand later in the month.

There is also the chance that veteran flanker Martyn Williams might be rested by Wales coach Warren Gatland.

The British and Irish Lions and Cardiff Blues open-side, 34, has previously said "playing to the 2011 World Cup is the aim and I'll keep going".

But Gatland knows that he will get the best out of Williams if he uses the Pontypridd product sparingly and will sit down and discuss options with him.

The three matches against the cream of the Tri-Nations will further the international education of Williams' Blues colleague Sam Warburton.

So resting Williams, who has little left to learn in the game, would allow the Wales management to bolster the squad's strength in depth.

But it is the possible loss of Hook, who has won 42 caps, that would stymie Wales' development, as Gatland is keen to craft his fledgling centre partnership with Jamie Roberts.

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There were signs in Wales' final 2010 RBS Six Nations game against Italy, a 33-10 win, that Hook and Lions man of the series Roberts could form a world-class midfield.

Three hard Tests in June would be an ideal testing ground for the talented pair in tandem and it would be a missed opportunity building for the 2011 World Cup if Hook has to sit them out.

After facing the Springboks in Cardiff, Wales head to New Zealand for back-to-back Tests against the All Blacks in Dunedin on 19 June and in Hamilton the following week.

"James has had the problem for a while and he needs surgery," said Gatland.

"I talked with the Ospreys earlier in the season about whether it would be best for him to have the operation before the start of the Six Nations, but they wanted him to be available at the end of the season and I could understand that.

"He will be out of action for between three and five months, and we have to consider whether he should be operated on before or after the New Zealand tour.

"We and the Ospreys have had to manage him in terms of contact, and it is testament to him that he has had an excellent season."

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