Sam gives Gatland a fitness boost

WALES captain Sam Warburton has given Warren Gatland a fitness boost after it was revealed he won’t need surgery on his injured foot.

Warburton suffered his ankle problem during the recent derby clash with the Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium.

But, after seeing a specialist, Warburton is on course to return in January ahead of the Six Nations opener against Ireland on February 7.

The Cardiff Blues flanker was hurt midway through the first half of the Guinness Pro12 showdown with the Ospreys the weekend before last.

“I saw the specialist yesterday and I was told it would be a midJanuary return,” explained Warburton.

“So, that is six-to-eight weeks and that’s the latest news

“It is nice not to have surgery because that would be my fifth operation at the age of 27, so it would be good to dodge that one.

“It is about rehab now. The plan is to be in the boot for a couple of weeks and keep the weight off it.

“It looks a lot worse than it is. It’s protocol to keep the weight off the ligament because I ended up rupturing one of the ligaments in my ankle.

“I always need a few games under my belt to get going.

“There is not an exact date, but I am targeting the two European games in January (against Calvisano and Harlequins).

“I have been a quick healer in the past. I am motivated and normally I am competitive to try and get back before they say and that’s what I will be going for.

“I am disappointed to miss the derbies and they are probably the best games to be involved in.

“I now try and see the positive in everything. “