LUKE Thompson's rib injury is not believed to be as bad as first feared and he is continuing to undergo treatment from Great Britain's medical team.

Thompson was forced off in the defeat to Tonga Invitational XIII on Saturday with a rib injury after just 12 minutes of the bruising game at the Waikato Stadium.

Great Britain head coach Wayne Bennett originally stated that he did not think Thompson would feature again on the tour.

A GB spokesman told PA Sport that Thompson was being treated by the Great Britain medical team and remains in the squad.

Saints, meanwhile, issued an injury update on their website about the prop.

A statement read: "Scans have revealed the injury is not as bad as first feared and he will be treated by the Great Britain medical team and remains in the squad with the hope he will feature in one of the three remaining tour fixtures."

The Lions play two Tests against the Kiwis, in Auckland and Christchurch, before rounding off the tour with a match against Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby.

Meanwhile, Great Britain have confirmed Wigan centre Oliver Gildart will not play again on tour after dislocating a shoulder in Saturday's opening 14-6 defeat.

Coach Wayne Bennett anticipated the news after Gildart left the field with his arm in a sling during the second half of the game in Hamilton and those fears were realised after the player went for scans.

A spokesman said there are no plans at this stage to send for a replacement, with Bennett indicating in the post-match press conference that Hull utility back Jake Connor would most likely get his chance in the first Test against New Zealand in Auckland on Saturday.