Liam Williams released from Wales squad ahead of clash against All Blacks due to abdominal injury

Wales have suffered another major blow ahead of the upcoming autumn international clash against New Zealand with Liam Williams ruled out of the encounter with an abdominal injury.

The British and Irish international sustained the blow during the recently concluded encounter against Georgia which his team went on to win 13-6.

The news comes as a major setback for Warren Gatland's side, who are already without Jonathan Davies as he continues his recovery from a foot injury that he suffered during the opening game of the season against Wallabies. Adding to the woes will be a calf muscle injury to Cardiff Blues wing Alex Cuthbert, who will continue his rehabilitation on the sidelines.

"Liam Williams and Alex Cuthbert have been released from the Wales squad due to injury," the Welsh Rugby Union said in a statement.

"Liam Williams suffered an abdominal injury and Alex Cuthbert a calf injury.

"At this stage, no time frame for recovery has been set for either player, and they have been released back to their respective club/region."

Wales head coach Gatland is not due to name his starting line-up until Thursday, but it is likely that Leigh Halfpenny will be joined in the back-three by Hallam Amos, who scored tries against Australia and Georgia, plus the Scarlets' Steff Evans.