Jonathan Davies injury adds to Welsh woe
Wales’ growing injury concerns continued as centre Jonathan Davies aggravated an ankle injury while training with the Scarlets.
The injury will definitely rule Davies out of Wales’ opening Test in the Autumn Internationals against Australia on Saturday, 6 November at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
The centre had only resumed training with the Scarlets after he injured his ankle in a Magners League match against the Newport-Gwent Dragons on Friday, 24 September.
Davies was expected to play in the Scarlets Magners League game against Glasgow in order to prove his fitness before linking up with the Welsh squad.
Welsh coach Warren Gatland admitted that the latest injury was a blow. "It limits our midfield options a bit, but you can't dwell on it and you have got to put it behind you."
Wales will already be without Ryan Jones, Leigh Halfpenny and Lee Byrne, who all picked up injuries ahead of the Test games.
Byrne, in particular, will be missed as he is a specialist in the full-back position.
"It's disappointing and he will be missed. Lee is a British and Irish Lion who’s kicking game is one of the best in the northern hemisphere," said Wales’ assistant coach Robert Howley.
The former Welsh international admitted that they will have to make a decision on whether to stick with James Hook in the centre or move the versatile player to full-back.
"We all know about James Hook's creativity. His intuitive play is exceptional and he's one of the best players in world rugby in whatever position he plays. We are lucky to have James and whatever we decide James will be part of the process in that conversation."
It is expected that with Davies’ injury Hook will partner either Tom Shanklin or Andrew Bishop in midfield, while Tom Prydie or Chris Czekaj will take Byrne’s place at full-back.
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