Long road to recovery begins as Ellis goes under the knife

WALES flanker Ellis Jenkins has undergone surgery to repair the serious knee injury picked up near the end of their autumn international victory over the Springboks.

In the closing moments of Wales’ 20-11 victory over South Africa, Jenkins fell awkwardly as he was cleared out of a ruck by two Springboks.

He was taken from the field after the final whistle inhaling painkilling gas – and now faces a race to be fit in time for the Rugby World Cup.

The operation to repair the damaged anterior cruciate ligaments, medial collateral ligaments and tendons was carried out on Wednesday.

With the prospect of not needing any further surgery, the likelihood is the outstanding Blues back-rower can get stuck in to rehab straight away.

Before he went into hospital, Jen- kins last week spoke to WalesOnline about the devastating injury he sustained against the ‘Boks after turning in a man-of-the-match performance.

“It’s just terrible luck I guess. It’s nice that everyone says congratulations and stuff but it’s tough to think about when you get a serious injury at the end of the game,” said the the 11-times capped 25-year-old.

“My phone’s been blowing up since. My family were just worried really.

“Everyone’s been saying well done and that they hope things aren’t too bad. It’s nice to receive all the messages but still, it’s bittersweet.

“It would be nice if the game had finished 30 seconds earlier.

“My foot has just got stuck. There are two big boys who have tried cleaning me out.

“I guess I’m a little bit tired at the end of the game as well and maybe not in as strong a position I should have been in. It’s one of those things. “It’s part of the game unfortunately. “It is tough to look back on it now when it finishes like that but I suppose in time I will look back on it and say it was a good autumn campaign.”

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that Cardiff Blues’ trip to face Ospreys in the Guinness PRO 14 at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday, January 5, will definitely take place.

There was a possible clash with a game for Swansea City at the Liberty. but that was avoided after the Swans were drawn away to Aston Villa in the third round of the FA Cup.