SPORT NEWS

Gatland eases injury fears

by Setanta Staff , 13 February 2012

Warren Gatland has played down injury fears over key players ahead of Wales' Triple Crown clash against England on February 25.


The World Cup semi-finalists made it two wins out of two in this year's Six Nations, following up their opening 23-21 win over Ireland in Dublin with a 27-13 success over Scotland on Sunday.

Next on the agenda is a trip to Twickenham in just under two weeks time but Wales have one or two fitness worries ahead of the clash.

Wales had to start Sunday's game without captain Sam Warburton, who withdrew shortly before kick off with a dead leg, while rising star George North had to come off in the first half with an ankle injury.

Hooker Huw Bennett suffered a calf niggle and did not play the second half, while openside flanker Justin Tipuric was ruled out of the match with an ankle problem.

Gatland though is not too worried about the injuries and believes the players have a good chance of being fit, although he is also close to welcoming back some other players to add greater depth to the squad.

"There's a few [injuries]," Gatland told BBC Sport. "But the thing is someone like Alun Wyn Jones isn't too far away, Sam Warburton should be alright for England, Justin Tipuric should be alright.

"So we've got a few players who are knocked around a bit, but maybe we've got a bit of depth coming back as well.

"Hopefully they won't be too serious but at least we've got a week to recover now before we start preparing for England."

The British and Irish Lions lock Alun Wyn Jones is set for a timely return after playing for Ospreys at the weekend, while hooker Matthew Rees is close to a recovery from his calf problems.


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