ROTORUA, New Zealand -- The British & Irish Lions have a major injury worry ahead of the first Test with Owen Farrell ruled out of Saturday's game against the Maori All Blacks.
Farrell was named on the bench for the weekend's game against the Maori, but has been sidelined with a grade-one quadriceps strain and his spot in the squad will be taken by Dan Biggar.
The news will be of huge concern to Warren Gatland with Farrell set to play a key role for the Lions in the first Test. Having impressed against the Crusaders, Farrell looked to be first-choice fly-half heading into their opening match of the series against the All Blacks on June 24.
There is limited indication over how long Farrell will be out for, but the Lions will be keeping everything crossed that he makes a speedy recovery.
British & Irish Lions: Leigh Halfpenny, Anthony Watson, Jonathan Davies, Ben Te'o, George North, Johnny Sexton, Conor Murray; Mako Vunipola, Jamie George, Tadhg Furlong, Maro Itoje, George Kruis, Peter O'Mahony (captain), Sean O'Brien, Taulupe Faletau.
Replacements: Ken Owens, Jack McGrath, Kyle Sinckler, Iain Henderson, Sam Warburton, Greig Laidlaw, Dan Biggar, Elliot Daly