GRAND Slam winner Josh Navidi will miss Cardiff Blues' Guinness PRO14 title challenge but be fit for Wales' World Cup training camps after undergoing elbow surgery.

The 28-year-old Wales flanker suffered a blow on his return to action for Cardiff Blues the weekend after helping secure a Six Nations clean sweep with victory against Ireland.

Navidi was injured in the opening stages of the hammering of the Scarlets at the Arms Park and after going under the knife will be out for 10 to 12 weeks.

That means that the versatile back rower, who is comfortable at blindside, openside or number eight, will be ready to battle for a place in Warren Gatland's 31-strong squad for Japan 2019.

However, he will miss his club's bid for the play-offs with the men from the capital currently level on points with third-placed Connacht in Conference A.

Cardiff Blues head coach John Mulvihill said: "Josh dislocated his elbow in a bit of friendly fire, which was unfortunate. He's had surgery and will be right to go for the World Cup camps.

"He'll be out for up to three months but will be able to return to running fairly early in the rehab process and maintain his conditioning under the guidance of our first class medical and strength and conditioning teams.

"He will be refreshed, which will be really good for him going into the camp."

Navidi had a superb Six Nations, joining forces with Dragons number eight Ross Moriarty and Ospreys openside Justin Tipuric to great effect.

The trio are looking good for spots in Gatland's squad, injury permitting, while Lions ace Taulupe Faletau will be a shoo-in as long as he proves his fitness after a broken arm.

Dragons flanker Aaron Wainwright enjoyed a strong Six Nations in which he came off the bench against France, England, Scotland and Ireland and started at blindside in Italy.

The 21-year-old with Bassaleg will tussle with Ellis Jenkins, Dan Lydiate, Thomas Young, Aaron Shingler, James Davies and Josh Turnbull for a World Cup berth.

Gatland will take an extended squad to training camps in Switzerland and Turkey before warm-up Tests against England at Twickenham and Principality Stadium then Ireland in Cardiff and Dublin.