Bowe And Henderson Set To Play Before End Of Season
Ulster have received a fitness boost with the news that Tommy Bowe and Iain Henderson are likely to be available for selection before the end of the season.
In the latest injury news from Kingspan Stadium, Sam Arnold suffered a low grade tear to his right hamstring during last Sunday’s match against Cardiff Blues. He will be sidelined for approximately two to three weeks as a result of this injury.
Tommy Bowe suffered a posterior cruciate ligament injury (which required reconstructive surgery) while representing Ireland at the Rugby World Cup in September. He is making excellent progress ahead of a further review with his surgeon this week.
Willie Faloon has been struggling with a chronic midfoot injury and he will see a specialist for a review. A prognosis will be available following this appointment.
Iain Henderson suffered a significant hamstring tear (left leg) against Edinburgh in December. Following surgery, he has continued to progress well through his rehabilitation and is likely to be involved in Ulster’s GUINNESS PRO12 run-in.
Wiehahn Herbst suffered a significant ligament injury to his big toe against Saracens in January. He is progressing well, however further reassessment will be required to determine his availability for the remainder of the season.
Rob Herring picked up a hamstring injury two weeks ago. It is hoped he will be fully fit for the Zebre match this Friday. Ian Humphreys picked up a hip/back injury in training last week and he was unavailable for the trip to Cardiff. He remains doubtful for Friday’s game.
Louis Ludik is responding well to treatment for a recent adductor strain. He will not be involved this weekend; however he is expected to be fully fit for Glasgow Warriors fixture on March 25.
Luke Marshall suffered a left ankle injury in Cardiff. He will have a fitness test later this week to determine if he will play against Zebre, while Paul Marshall has fully recovered from a viral infection and is back in full training. He is therefore available for selection this weekend.
Peter Nelson dislocated his left midfoot in the win over Edinburgh in early December. He had successful surgery later that month but he will play no further part in Ulster’s PRO12 season due to the significance of the injury.
Alan O’Connor has overcome a viral infection and is available for selection again. Fellow second row Dan Tuohy suffered a significant ankle fracture during the Edinburgh match in December. While the fracture has healed well, there has been inconsistent progress through his rehabilitation and as such, he is scheduled to have exploratory surgery. A return-to-play date will be determined following this.
Number 8 Nick Williams has a slight shoulder injury that is being monitored. A decision on his availability for the Zebre fixture will be made later in the week.