WILLIAMS INJURY BLOW FOR WALES
WALES have suffered an injury setback with the news that Liam Williams is now likely to be out of action until at least round four of the Six Nations Championship.
The 28-year-old has not played since suffering an ankle injury which ended his 2019 Rugby World Cup just days before the semi-final against South Africa.
It had been hoped he would recover in time to face Ireland in Dublin this weekend, but it has come too soon for the full-back, who is now also likely to miss the game against France in round three.
“He’s struggling a bit at the moment”, Wales defence coach Byron Hayward said.
“It’s probably a bit too early for Liam. We’re looking at the fourth and fifth game in the Championship – England and Scotland – for when he’ll be available.
“Certainly not [as early as we would have hoped] but the boys went well last weekend, Leigh had a great game at full-back, though it would be nice to get Liam back, obviously.”
On the possibility of Williams getting game time at Saracens, Hayward added: “That will be governed by the medical team in terms of where he’s at and how he progresses in the next couple of weeks. “It’s a possibility, certainly.” There is, however, better news on Wales’ other injured contingent.
Gareth Davies (groin), Owen Watkin (knee) and Elliot Dee (ribs) all missed the opening 42-0 victory over Italy but are now taking part in training and are available for selection this weekend.
“It’s nice to see them back and into training”, Hayward added. “They’re fit and ready to go. “We’re not too bad at the moment.
“There are a couple of knocks, bumps and bruises but nothing very serious.
“We came out of last weekend in a pretty good place in terms of a physical and medical point of view.”
Wales name their team to face Ireland tomorrow at noon.