James Haskell out for four to six months with toe injury
James Haskell is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines
©Press Association
England and Wasps star James Haskell is about to be on sidelines for four to six months because of a toe injury.
The 31-year-old flanker is scheduled to undergo a reconstructive surgery on his big toe after sustaining an injury during England's second Test against the Wallabies in Melbourne last month.
The injury had forced Haskell to miss out on the third Test in Sydney where England under coach Eddie Jones completed the historic 3-0 whitewash to secure its first ever series win on Australian soil.
Haskell, who was named the man of the series, was looking forward to the 2017 Lions tour to New Zealand and the autumn internationals at Twickenham in November against the Springboks.
Haskell's injury has now poised a challenge in front of Jones to fix up the back-row. Northampton forward Teimana Harrison, who replaced Haskell for the Sydney Test, failed to impress and was substituted on the 30th minute by Courtney Lawes with lock Maro Itoje switching to number six and Chris Robshaw shifting to openside.
The Wasps rugby director, Dai Young, although expressed his disappointment at the new development, wished Haskell a speedy recovery.
“We’re all really disappointed for James and we are all wishing him a speedy recovery. James’ performances with England, both in the 3-0 series win over Australia and in England’s Six Nations Grand Slam success, have been hugely impressive.
“Everyone at Wasps knows how hard James works to make those performances happen and we know he’ll be working just as hard to come back in the best shape possible.
“Our medical team will be working closely with him over the next few months to get him back to full fitness and in the meantime there will be a good opportunity for the other back-row players we have at the club to stake a claim.”
Wasps begin their Premiership campaign on 4th of September with a home fixture against the Exeter Chiefs.
