British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland has revealed that captain Sam Warburton could be fit for Saturday's clash with Queensland Reds.

The Welsh international missed the 59-8 victory over the Barbarians on Saturday due to a knee injury and will not recover in time to face Western Force in Australia on Wednesday.

However, Gatland has his fingers crossed that Warburton could return to action by the weekend.

"Sam has been doing some of his own training but he had to stay off his knee for five days before he is ready for full contact," said Gatland.

"Hopefully he will train with the other players not in this 23 over the next couple of days and put himself in contention for Saturday."

Warburton became the youngest Lions captain in history when he was handed the position by Gatland prior to the tour.