SM
Man City vs. Everton: 7 hrs 24 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews

Gatland with plenty to ponder ahead of Six Nations squad announcement

:Headline: Gatland with plenty to ponder ahead of Six Nations squad announcement: ID:346810: from db_amp
Wales open their Six Nations against France in Paris on February 1.

Wales coach Warren Gatland has several injury concerns as he prepares to name his Guinness Six Nations squad on Tuesday.

Leigh Halfpenny looks set to miss the start of the tournament as he has not played since suffering concussion during the victory over Australia on November 10.

Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac said last week that Halfpenny has seen a specialist and would not feature for "three to five weeks".

Saracens star Liam Williams is likely to fill the full-back spot for the Six Nations opener against France in Paris on February 1, with Italy providing Wales' second opposition in Rome eight days later.

Dan Biggar is also nursing a knee injury suffered in Northampton's European Challenge Cup defeat to Clermont Auvergne.

The outside-half limped off with what Saints director of rugby Chris Boyd described as a "minor knee twist", although Biggar is expected to be fit for Wales' Six Nations opener.

Ospreys lock Adam Beard suffered a neck injury over the festive period but should be fit to resume his second-row partnership with skipper Alun Wyn Jones.

Adam Beard could be part of Warren Gatland's group for the Six Nations (David Davies/PA)

Gatland must make further checks on Rhodri Jones (shoulder), James Davies (knee), Nicky Smith (ankle), Dan Lydiate (elbow), Rhys Patchell (hamstring), Jake Ball (shoulder) and Bradley Davies (knee).

Dragons back-rower Ross Moriarty has also been sidelined since suffering concussion last month, but has been pencilled in to return in the Guinness PRO14 clash against Munster on January 26.

Number eight Taulupe Faletau will return after breaking his arm in October.

Faletau missed Wales' unbeaten autumn international series, but he impressed in his comeback game for Bath last weekend.

Faletau wins a line-out against Wasps (David Davies/PA)

The 28-year-old set up the opening try in their Heineken Champions Cup win against Wasps with a powerful run, and Bath boss Todd Blackadder said the British and Irish Lion "looked really sharp".

Ospreys centre Scott Williams and Blues flanker Josh Navidi are also expected to return after missing the autumn with respective hamstring and knee injuries.

But Scarlets flanker Aaron Shingler (knee) remains out and Blues captain Ellis Jenkins is another absentee as he continues his recovery from ACL surgery.

amp_article__346810 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2019-01-14 19:10:01:
html db last update - 2019-01-14 19:10:01 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Warren Gatland

Click here for more stories about Wales

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool16123137162139
2Chelsea17105237191835
3Arsenal1796234161833
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest179442319431
5Bournemouth178452721628
6Aston Villa178452626028
7Manchester CityMan City178362925427
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle177552721626
9Fulham176742422225
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton176742726125
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1772839251423
12Brentford177283232023
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd176472122-122
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham175572230-820
15Everton163761421-716
16Crystal Palace173771826-816
17Leicester CityLeicester173592137-1614
18Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1733112740-1312
19Ipswich TownIpswich172691632-1612
20Southampton1713131136-256
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .