James Slipper out from Queensland Reds before semi-final clash: Super Rugby News
James Slipper has been ruled out of the Queensland Reds squad for their upcoming semi-final clash on 2nd July. The Reds confirmed on June 21st that the youngster will not participate in the all important fixture.
The prop will watch the game while sitting on benches after he received a severe blow to his ankle during last weekend’s match against the Chiefs. He has been suffering with his fitness since the start of Super Rugby and was able to play in only two games
of the current season for the Reds.
Slipper made his comeback into the Reds’ side after a long break due to an injury to his shoulder. After his return a couple of weeks ago, he is once again on the injured list and will not complete the season.
A spokesman for the Reds told reporters that Slipper’s injury is of a severe nature and it could take more than a month to recover. The spokesman further said that, "The successful arthroscopy confirmed initial scans of syndesmosis, although fears of a prolonged
period on the sideline have been alleviated. A worst case scenario for Slipper would have seen him ruled out of the entire finals series and potentially the early stages of the Wallabies campaign."
Slipper made his Super Rugby debut in 2010 for the Queensland Reds and has participated in only in three games for the derby. He is also a member of Australian national team and is largely expected to contribute for the Wallabies in the forthcoming RWC 2011.
Responding to the reports of his prolonged recovery tim, Slipper expressed his disappointment and said that it was huge mishap for him before the Tri Nations tournament. He added that, “To be out of the semi-final is a huge blow for me - the grand final
is now my focus. I am going to put all my trust in the medical staff that we have ... to see if it is worth the risk. I am leaving the decision (to return) purely to the medical staff.”
The Reds are suffering from a fitness crisis in the current championship and the latest injury of Slipper will definitely add to their woes.
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