Sale suffers James Gaskell injury blow
Sale Sharks has been rocked by the news that captain James Gaskell faces two months out of the game with injury.
The 20-year-old damaged a leg in training as Sale prepares to take on Cetransa El Salvador in the Amlin Challenge Cup. Sale has estimated that their skipper will not be able to play or train for at least
eight weeks.
"James picked up the injury in training earlier this week and damaged a ligament in his lower leg.
We're not entirely sure of the full nature of the injury yet, but he's going to be out for a minimum of eight weeks," said head coach Mike Brewer.
Gaskell is a key player in the Sale team and his absence will affect the side in many ways. It's important the replacement lock raises his game and plays consistently until
the captain regains full fitness.
A big blow
Gaskell is the leader of the side and the player that the rest of the team looks to. He's important in providing inspiration and guidance. He is very charismatic on the
field and likes to set the example for everyone despite his age.
The skipper is also a very effective and intimidating lock. He uses his strength and power to get into good positions in front of the opposition attack. He can use these
qualities to slow down opposition play and make good tackles.
Gaskell is a very ambitious and forward thinking captain with great ideas. He will have many plans and goals for his side, which must now take a back seat while he fully
recovers.
There is now a lot of pressure on the replacement locks at the club to perform. Sean Cox, Chris Jones and Nic Rouse must all step up and take a lot of responsibility for
this area of the team.
Betting advice
Sale should be fine in a European context but the real impact will come in the Premiership. Bet in play over the next one or two Sale matches to see how the side reacts
without Gaskell in charge.
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