Gethin’s set for a comeback
GETHIN Jenkins is finally set to play rugby again as he makes his long-awaited return for Cardiff Blues this weekend.
Jenkins hasn’t played since April after and underwent a knee operation back in May. He was originally due to return in September but suffered a setback in his recovery after picking up a calf problem.
Wales’ record cap holder missed out on Warren Gatland’s autumn squad due to his lack of rugby during a seven-month absence but he will finally pull on his boots on Saturday night as the Blues host Zebre.
Blues coach Danny Wilson said: “He is fit and raring to go. It’s great to have him back as a leader.
“He demands high standards and his experience on the field will give us a boost.
“He had a bit of a setback in his recovery but nothing major.
“He hasn’t played for a while so let’s get him back on the field and assess his performance.
“He is keen to get back and we probably left it a week later.
“He is very hungry to continue and very frustrated when he could not play a couple of weeks ago.
“We are excited to get him back but, like any player coming back from a long-term injury, there is a little bit of patience to ensure he comes back right.
“We need to give him a couple of games to see him right and he will take off, I am sure he will.”
In other fitness news, Gareth Anscombe is set to return against Connacht on November 24, while Ellis Jenkins should be fit again in December, and Sam Warburton hopes to be back in January.
Forwards Taufa’ao Fillise, Damien Welch and George Earle should be fit to face Zebre, while wing Tom James could return.
Tight-head prop Dillon Lewis is set to miss at least a month with a shoulder injury, and Rhys Gill will probably miss out on Saturday.
Outside-half Jarrod Evans is struggling with a broken nose, while American captain Blaine Scully is also battling to be fit.