Injuries Mount Ahead of Crucial Fortnight
Injuries
By Andrew Collins
December 6 2010
The Cardiff Blues are holding their breath over the availability of several players ahead of the massive back-to-back Heineken Cup clashes with Northampton this fortnight...
The Blues injury list has become rather significant in the past few weeks, and it comes at a time when the Blues need their squad the most.
The Cardiff City Stadium side face a tricky month with European Cup matches home and away against Northampton followed by two huge Welsh derbies against the Dragons and Ospreys - all before the New Year – and the strength of the squad looks set to be tested.
In Munster on Saturday Dai Young was forced to field back-up centre Gavin Evans on the wing, as he was without Lions wing Leigh Halfpenny, Welsh International Tom James and inspirational full back Ben Blair meaning Chris Czekaj slotted in at full back. Tom James could yet play a part in the Heineken Cup games, but he will be subject to a late fitness test at best.
Gareth Cooper’s early departure from the Blues has given Lloyd Williams a chance to shine, and the youngster has looked sharp in Ritchie Rees’ absence, but he too has picked up an injury meaning pre-season 4th choice, Tom Slater, is likely to be the only scrum half cover for the remainder of the month.
The most recent addition to the list is flanker Sam Warburton, who left the field early against Munster prior to halftime. Thankfully however, Dai Young can call on the services of Martyn Williams, should the young apprentice find himself unavailable.
Long term absentee Jamie Roberts has given the Blues a timely boost announcing he could be available to return to action as soon the Saints home fixture on the 19th but all-in-all the injury list gives significant cause for concern.
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(iv) each club may select one additional player during the course of the Pool stages. The nominated additional player will replace a registered member of the club's squad and no club will exceed 38 players at any time during the Pool stages. The de-registered player may return to the squad at a later date during the Pool stages and replace the additional player. Clubs must ensure that the additional player has not been nominated in a match squad with another club for the Heineken Cup or Amlin Challenge Cup tournaments during the current season. The additional player will be eligible to play in the next round of Pool matches if his nomination is received by ERC by noon on the Wednesday before the match. The player must have at least a three-month contract with the Club. If a additional player is selected by a Club after Round 4 and the Club subsequently qualifies for a quarter-final the Club will only be allowed to register a further two players for the knock-out stages. ERC RULES
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:12:07:14:06:40 by Huwie.