Scotland’s blindside flanker Alasdair Strokosch could miss the remainder of the RBS 6 Nations Championship on account of an injury he sustained in yesterday’s international against Wales in Cardiff, while Max Evans is also a worry.
Strokosch was examined under the care of his club’s medical team in Gloucester today and was found to have fractured his hand.
This could be a loss at blindside, with Kelly Brown a notable absentee from Scotland’s back row thus far in the tournament. The most likely replacement is John Barclay who replaced Strokosch from the bench in the first two games. Another option would be to move success story David Denton to 6 and bring in Richie Vernon at 8. Other players such as Rob Harley, Stuart McInally or Roddy Grant may also be considered for inclusion in the squad.
Wing Max Evans, who is on crutches and wearing an immobilising boot, was being sent for a scan when the team arrived back in Edinburgh this afternoon following the ankle injury that forced his substitution during the first-half of the match at the Millennium Stadium.
“Max will be seen by the specialist ankle surgeon John McKinley at Spire Murrayfield Hospital today and we will await a further update later this week,” Dr Robson noted.
Max’s potential absence also causes a problem for any chances to refresh the midfield or perhaps restore Sean Lamont to the wing. Hogg could potentially fill in there and a new utility back come on to the bench, but it might be a better idea to let him have a run at fullback where he did quite well on Sunday.
Two other players will also require medical monitoring this week, back-row forward David Denton, who has a foot injury, and debutant prop Ed Kalman (neck pain).
The Scotland squad will reconvene next week for their third match of the championship – against France at Murrayfield on Sunday 26 February (kick-off 3pm).