Ahead of this weekend’s tough match-up against Bath, director of rugby Mark McCall discussed injury updates, returning Lions players, and the shape of the team after an impressive opening weekend.
Thankfully, he had good news to share on forwards George Kruis and Calum Clark.
Kruis left Saturday’s match after only 15-minutes with an apparent ankle injury and has been receiving treatment early in the week.
McCall said: “It has been described to me as a ‘bad yank to the ankle’.
“It doesn’t look like it’s going to be overly serious, so that’s hopefully good news. Though we will know more after he sees a consultant.”
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There is no time frame yet for Kruis’ return, though it is a separate injury to one that required surgery last season, and McCall seemed positive about his chances of a speedy recovery.
He said: “He’ll be back in time to play some big games for us before the autumn internationals.”
New signing Clark has also been out, and missed the season opening London Double Header after leaving Saracens’ final preseason fixture with a leg injury.
McCall confirmed a pulled a calf muscle, though stressed it appears to be a minor injury that won’t side-line him for too long. He also noted the positive impression Clark has made since his arrival this summer.
With injuries piling up early, McCall has been under pressure to play Saracens British and Irish Lions players who have so far been rested.
However, he stands by his decision and has been impressed with the way the players have reacted.
McCall said: “I would rather have it this way where they are pushing to play and we are making the decisions, than the other way around where we are having to persuade them to play.
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“They are chomping at the bit I would say. We will probably bring a few more of them back in one way or another this weekend.”
This Saturday Saracens take on a tough Bath side (kick-off 14H00), who are coming off an impressive opening weekend in which they secured a 23-27 away win against Leicester Tigers.
They will bring trademark physicality in the pack, and will test the depth of this season’s Saracens squad.