Good news for Wasps over injuries to props
WASPS appear to have averted a prop crisis after losing two tightheads in the space of three games since the Premiership restart.
England international Kieran Brookes lasted 36 minutes of the round 14 win at Northampton Saints before his shoulder was injured in a collision. His replacement in that match, Jeff Toomaga-allen was next to hobble off after starting Tuesday night’s loss to Sale Sharks.
Speaking ahead of the round 17 match at Bath, Wasps head coach Lee Blackett shared encouraging news on both players. He said: “Brookesy should be back at the end of this block, around the Leicester Tigers/ Bristol game,”.
On Toomaga-allen, he said: “Jeff came to us from New Zealand with a bit of a knee rattle and it comes back every now and then. He’s actually not that far off being in contention to face Bath.”
After Monday’s trip to Somerset, Wasps travel to Saracens six days later (September 5) before hosting Tigers and the Bears on September 9 and 13 at the Ricoh Arena.
Blackett’s two other senior squad tighthead options, Biyi Alo and Jack Owlett, are likely to share the workload on Monday. They have played 40 and 28 minutes respectively since restart.
Elsewhere, Juan de Jongh is in full training following his hamstring issue but fellow centre Sam Spink is struggling with a groin issue.
Thibaud Flament (foot) and Will Porter (toe) are definitely out. Myles Edwards’ ankle issue rules him out while another second row option, Levi Douglas, has a slight strain but could be in the running to feature against his former club.