Gloucester are sweating over the outcomes of scans wanted for England No 8 Zach Mercer and highly effective wing Ollie Thorley who each suffered what are feared to be severe knee ligament accidents within the win over Northampton Saints on the weekend.
The accidents took a number of the gloss from the 25-17 win which erased the reminiscence of final season’s humiliating 90-0 hammering by the Saints and George Skivington is anxiously awaiting the decision of two consultants on Thursday who shall be analyzing the scans that each gamers are present process to ascertain the complete extent of the accidents.
Mercer delivered a try-scoring efficiency – rated his finest since becoming a member of Gloucester – however hobbled off late within the sport and it meant the guests performed out the remainder of the match with simply 14 males.
Skivington mentioned: “I hate to say it but it surely doesn’t look too constructive. Zach and Ollie are the most important issues and their advisor appointments are on Thursday following their scans and I don’t assume they’ll be fairly from what I’ve seen with them on crutches.
“These two are long term which may be very upsetting as a result of each of them have been in actually good type for us. You’re doubtlessly MCLs and ACLs and it’s going to be one thing alongside these strains. Clearly, I’m hoping for strains somewhat than severe points.
“They’re each swollen and sore and hobbling round and not one of the beginning factors are constructive. I assumed that was Zach’s finest sport this season if not proper up there with among the best for the membership and so it’s a little little bit of a nerve wracking time till we all know the place we stand with these two.”
Mercer is attracting curiosity from French golf equipment who’re keenly conscious of the participant of the 12 months influence he made whereas at Montpellier and Skivington, who begins the membership’s European Problem Cup marketing campaign at residence to Edinburgh, admitted: “With a participant like Zach there may be at all times discussions and lately you do get cellphone calls asking in case you are ready to let gamers go. For now, he’s a Gloucester participant.”
Gloucester misplaced within the Problem Cup remaining to the South African Sharks final season having given up on the league after a poor begin and regardless of their improved Premiership type – they’re presently fifth within the desk – Skivington insists they’ll “go laborious” on this season’s competitors although Edinburgh are prone to relaxation a few of their Scotland internationals on Friday night time.