Connacht Assess Injuries Ahead Of Treviso Clash
The Connacht squad have a quick turnaround this week ahead of their departure on Wednesday to Italy for Friday night’s RaboDirect PRO12 match against Benetton Treviso.
There were some injury concerns arising from last weekend’s game against the Ospreys. Matt Healy, Craig Ronaldson and Michael Swift all received knocks to the leg and were forced to retire early from the 43-26 defeat.
The trio continued to be monitored in training today ahead of the team selection and departure to Dublin.
Flanker Jake Heenan, who made his full debut for the province last weekend, was temporarily replaced due to a blood injury to his cheek. The 21-year-old received stiches and is likely to be available again this week.
Meanwhile, fellow flanker Willie Faloon will undergo surgery to his foot this week. It has been confirmed that the 27-year-old will be out of action for six months.
Speaking about the squad’s injuries and the next few weeks of league and European action, Connacht head coach Pat Lam said: “They (the injuries) are starting to pile up on the back of the injury to Jason Harris-Wright, adding to Miah Nikora – there are a few front liners taking the knocks, which is a concern.
“The progress Treviso have made is great, they finished top six in the table last season and we are playing them away, we know they are a physical team and we saw what happened when they hosted Munster (recently).
“The biggest factor for us is to make sure we get a fit squad together so there are so many challenges there, but that is for us to overcome and prepare well.”