Wales will be without key second-row Gwen Crabb for their final Women's Six Nations clash against Italy this Sunday, after a knee injury ruled her out of the tournament's decisive round.

The 26-year-old has been a standout performer for Wales in the opening three matches, leading the championship in turnovers won. However, a knock sustained during training forced her to miss last weekend's trip to Ireland, and subsequent scan results have confirmed she will also sit out Sunday's fixture at Cardiff Arms Park (12:15 BST).

"Gwen hasn't come through sadly, she's been going really well," said Wales head coach Sean Lynn, acknowledging the setback for a player who has battled knee issues throughout her career—undergoing four surgeries already.

Beyond this weekend, Crabb will also miss the Barbarians match on 27 June due to a scheduled operation to treat endometriosis, a condition she has spoken openly about in the past.

In her absence, Georgia Evans stepped up impressively last week, making her first start of the campaign and completing a tournament-high 28 tackles in round four. She is expected to retain her place against the Azzurre, with veteran Natalia John—who earned her 50th cap against Ireland—also available as a powerful option off the bench.

Wales are looking to snap a nine-match losing streak in the Six Nations, and Lynn will need every ounce of experience and grit from his squad to finish the campaign on a high note.