With the NatWest Six Nations just around the corner, the Scotland coaching team are sweating as they await further news on Alex Dunbar and Richie Gray after injury setbacks.
Dunbar sustained a head knock as Glasgow Warriors defeated Exeter Chiefs on Saturday while 28-year-old Gray has a calf issue and is still with his club Toulouse.
“I’m becoming an expert on injuries now,” Scotland’s Forwards Coach Dan McFarland joked.
“In terms of Alex Dunbar he did not train on Monday and he is not with us in camp. We are hoping he will be joining us at some point soon, he is in the return to play protocol stages after a head knock.
“We are disappointed for Richie Gray. After an injury he has played well over the last two or three games [with Toulouse] and has been looking athletic.
“He was getting round the park as if he had never been away. There were bits of his game he was looking to improve and we had been in contact.
“At the moment I can’t answer [when he will join up with the squad]. If he is fit we will consider him for Wales. At this stage we just don’t know.
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It is particularly bad news for former British & Irish Lions tourist Gray because, due to a back problem and other ailments, the second-row has not pulled on the dark blue jersey since the loss to England last March.
Meanwhile, with players like WP Nel, Zander Fagerson, Al Dickinson, Allan Dell, Darryl Marfo and Fraser Brown already out, George Turner’s confirmed injury yesterday leaves Gregor Townsend with limited options up front.
Neil Cochrane, the 34-year-old uncapped Edinburgh Rugby player was called up by Gregor Townsend as a replacement.