Obano hit by latest serious knee injury
Bath Rugby star Beno Obano has suffered what looks to be another serious knee injury early in his side’s 31-29 defeat to Bristol Bears on Saturday.
England international loose-head prop Obano has only just returned after missing the majority of the 2021/22 season with an ACL injury and had impressed in pre-season before falling awkwardly at Ashton Gate in the 19th minute to be replaced by Lewis Boyce.
Obano refused the stretcher being brought on but couldn’t put any weight on the injured limp and left the field with his arms around the neck of two of the club’s medical staff.
Speaking after the game on Saturday night, Bath’s head of rugby Johann van Graan said: “It is pretty serious.
“We will see what happens as the weekend goes. I have spoken to Rory
Murray yet but I will assume that Beno and Chris will go for scans.”
On Monday, Murray, Bath’s new head of medical provided a full injury update after bruising the encounter and with Sale Sharks coming to the Rec on Saturday in Round Two of the Gallagher Premiership.
Murray said: “Beno will see a specialist for his injury sustained on Saturday. It is unrelated to any previous knee injury. We will learn more after this weekend.”
Reports unconfirmed by the club at this time suggest Obano’s injury could be a dislocated knee cap.
Else Murray provided an update on flanker Chris Cloete who was seen on crutches after the match.
Murray said: “Chris suffered a minor knee injury against Bristol Bears. He will continue to be reviewed by the club’s medical staff.
Winger Matt Gallagher and tighthead prop Johannes Jonker will both miss the game against Sale after sustaining concussion injuries against Bristol.
They will follow the graduated return to play protocols which now takes 12 days and aim to be available for selection against Wasps.
Unless the club change their policy, England tight-head Will Stuart will continue to be unavailable next weekend as they have their mandatory ten week rest period after touring Australia.
Niall Arnett is also unavailable after receiving a two week ban following his red card against Bristol - without stepping foot on the pitch. Arnett will also miss the game against Wasps on September 23.
On a more positive note following Cloete’s injury, back-rowers Tom Ellis and Miles Reid are both fully fit and are available for selection the club have confirmed. In the backs Darren Atkins and Max Wright are back in full training and are building their way to match fitness.