Exeter Chiefs centre Henry Slade sidelined by ankle injuries

Exeter Chiefs will miss the services of England centre Henry Slade in the upcoming Gallagher Premiership clash against Saracens on Sunday following ankle injuries.

According to Director of Rugby Rob Baxter, the 26-year-old sustained injuries to both his ankles in the recently concluded clash against Leicester Tigers at Welford Road where he was forced to leave the field in the 33rd minute and was replaced by Sam Hill for the remainder of the match.

“Sladey’s going to be out for a little while. He’s picked up injuries to both of his ankles. He tried hobbling along with one, until he picked up the second," said Baxter to the official website of the club.

“The second injury is more of a concern as it’s an injury in around an old injury, which he had had previously plated. Right now, he’s continually being assessed and we will know more in due course.

"It is, however, nothing something he will be able to get over in a week or two, it’s more significant than that.”

Despite Slade's injury Exeter came up with a clinical second half performance to beat Leicester Tigers 22-31 after trailing behind 19-7 at one stage.

Exeter Chiefs are currently at the top of the Premiership table with four wins from six games but they will be facing an in-form Saracens side, who are on a five-game winning streak in the tournament and yet are at the bottom of the table due to the sanction of docking 35 points for a salary cap breach.a