The Harlequins are currently grappling with a formidable challenge as their injury list has alarmingly swelled to include 27 key players. This revelation comes just as the team prepares to face league leaders Bath, marking a pivotal moment in their season. Presently, the squad is significantly depleted, fielding only 24 fit players from an original roster of 41. This situation unfolds in the backdrop of their recent exit from the Investec Champions Cup, adding to the pressures faced by coach Jason Gilmore's side.
The bulk of the injuries have hit the forward pack, particularly affecting the props, with 16 forwards sidelined. Among them are Cameron Doak, Pedro Delgado, Harry Williams, and Boris Wenger, all dealing with short-term injuries ranging from head and knee issues to neck and hamstring strains. Meanwhile, Titi Lamositele is on the mend from a foot injury, with expectations set for a return next month.
"It's a challenging period, but we're focused on recovery and strength,"
Gilmore commented, highlighting the resilience within the team. Another significant setback for the team is the loss of Simon Kerrod for the remainder of the season due to a foot injury.
The anticipation around England loosehead Fin Baxter's return in May is a silver lining for both Harlequins and the national team, especially given the ongoing prop crisis England is experiencing. Baxter, who has been out of action since December following foot surgery, missed the Six Nations campaign, and his comeback is eagerly awaited.
The injury woes extend to the back-five, with Joe Launchbury, Harry Browne, and Jonny Green all facing short-term injuries. Jordan Els is slated for a June return post-Achilles recovery. The team also awaits further assessments on James Chisholm and Tate Williams, who are dealing with calf and shoulder issues, respectively. Lucas Schmid and Stephan Lewies will miss the rest of the season with ankle and shoulder injuries.
In the backs, Jamie Benson is poised for an imminent return. However, Will Porter, Oscar Beard, and Frank McMillan are targeting May for their comebacks. The health status of Josh Bellamy, Rodrigo Isgró, and Ludo Kolade remains uncertain as they undergo further assessments for thumb, rib, and vision issues. The season has ended prematurely for Sean Sharp, Ben Waghorn, Tyrone Green, and Cassius Cleaves due to various injuries.
The Harlequins' resilience in the face of such adversity will be tested in the upcoming fixtures, as they strive to climb from their current ninth place in the PREM table. As the season progresses, the return of key players will be crucial in their campaign to regain full strength and competitive edge.
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The Harlequins are currently grappling with a formidable challenge as their injury list has alarmingly swelled to include 27 key players. This revelation comes just as the team prepares to face league leaders Bath, marking a pivotal moment in their season. Presently, the squad is significantly depleted, fielding only 24 fit players from an original roster of 41. This situation unfolds in the backdrop of their recent exit from the Investec Champions Cup, adding to the pressures faced by coach Jason Gilmore's side.
The bulk of the injuries have hit the forward pack, particularly affecting the props, with 16 forwards sidelined. Among them are Cameron Doak, Pedro Delgado, Harry Williams, and Boris Wenger, all dealing with short-term injuries ranging from head and knee issues to neck and hamstring strains. Meanwhile, Titi Lamositele is on the mend from a foot injury, with expectations set for a return next month.
"It's a challenging period, but we're focused on recovery and strength,"
Gilmore commented, highlighting the resilience within the team. Another significant setback for the team is the loss of Simon Kerrod for the remainder of the season due to a foot injury.The anticipation around England loosehead Fin Baxter's return in May is a silver lining for both Harlequins and the national team, especially given the ongoing prop crisis England is experiencing. Baxter, who has been out of action since December following foot surgery, missed the Six Nations campaign, and his comeback is eagerly awaited.
The injury woes extend to the back-five, with Joe Launchbury, Harry Browne, and Jonny Green all facing short-term injuries. Jordan Els is slated for a June return post-Achilles recovery. The team also awaits further assessments on James Chisholm and Tate Williams, who are dealing with calf and shoulder issues, respectively. Lucas Schmid and Stephan Lewies will miss the rest of the season with ankle and shoulder injuries.
In the backs, Jamie Benson is poised for an imminent return. However, Will Porter, Oscar Beard, and Frank McMillan are targeting May for their comebacks. The health status of Josh Bellamy, Rodrigo Isgró, and Ludo Kolade remains uncertain as they undergo further assessments for thumb, rib, and vision issues. The season has ended prematurely for Sean Sharp, Ben Waghorn, Tyrone Green, and Cassius Cleaves due to various injuries.
The Harlequins' resilience in the face of such adversity will be tested in the upcoming fixtures, as they strive to climb from their current ninth place in the PREM table. As the season progresses, the return of key players will be crucial in their campaign to regain full strength and competitive edge.