Jason Gilmore has opened up on Harlequins’ mounting injury crisis, with as many as 27 senior players currently unavailable in what has become a major concern heading into the final stretch of the season.
An official club update released earlier today underlined the scale of the issue, with injuries spread heavily across both the forward pack and the backline.
The forwards have been hit particularly hard, accounting for the majority of absentees, with problems ranging from short-term muscle strains to longer-term foot, shoulder and Achilles injuries that will keep several players out until the off-season.
The backs are also significantly depleted, with a mix of hamstring, knee and ligament issues limiting options and further stretching squad depth.
While some players are expected to return in the coming weeks, a number face extended spells on the sidelines, leaving Harlequins with just 24 fit players available for selection.
This lack of depth comes at a challenging time, as the London club prepares to face league leaders Bath after their exit from the Investec Champions Cup at the hands of Sale Sharks.
Despite sitting ninth in the Prem table, they remain within touching distance of the top eight and Champions Cup rugby next season, just one point behind Gloucester.
Gilmore spoke about the status of the injuries at the club.
"It is probably status-quo at the moment. We should get a couple of locks back next week, Joe Launchbury and Harry Browne.
"Boris Wenger hopefully isn't too far away but the rest of the boys are probably status-quo."
Despite the setbacks, Harlequins managed an impressive victory over Bristol Bears in their last Prem outing at the Principality Stadium.
Gilmore suggested that the current situation could create opportunities for younger or fringe players to step up and gain valuable experience.
"What we've got the opportunity to do in this last block is to reward some boys that have toiling really hard in the background.
"Seb Driscoll I thought was outstanding coming off the bench at flanker, he's been working patiently behind the scenes but really building his craft at London Scottish and there's guys like that who are really champing at the bit for a chance to play in the shirt and they're the guys we want to reward."
Looking ahead to the trip to Bath, Gilmore highlighted both the challenge and the occasion.
"They're the leading team at the moment in the Prem in the last couple of years. Playing at The Rec is a special place to play at as well, they'll have a full crowd, a very good outfit so it will be one our boys will get up for."
Full Harlequins injury list
FORWARDS
- Joe Launchbury (Quad – return date: Short-term)
- Harry Browne (Hamstring – return date: Short-term)
- Pedro Delgado (Knee – return date: Short-term)
- Jonny Green (Calf – return date: Short-term)
- Harry Williams (Neck – return date: Short-term)
- Boris Wenger (Hamstring – return date: Short-term)
- Cameron Doak (Concussion – return date: Short-term)
- James Chisholm (Calf – return date: Ongoing assessment)
- Tate Williams (Shoulder – return date: Ongoing assessment)
- Fin Baxter (Foot – return date: May)
- Titi Lamositele (Foot – return date: May)
- Tom Lawday (Hamstring – return date: May)
- Jordan Els (Achilles – return date: June)
- Simon Kerrod (Foot – return date: Off-season)
- Lucas Schmid (Ankle – return date: Off-season)
- Stephan Lewies (Shoulder – return date: Off-season)
BACKS
- Jamie Benson (Hamstring – return date: Short-term)
- Josh Bellamy (Thumb - return date: Ongoing assessment)
- Rodrigo Isgró (Rib - return date: Ongoing assessment)
- Ludo Kolade (Vision – return date: Ongoing assessment)
- Will Porter (Shoulder – return date: May)
- Oscar Beard (Shoulder – return date: May)
- Frank McMillan (Pubis – return date: May)
- Sean Sharp (ACL – return date: Off-season)
- Ben Waghorn (Knee – return date: Off-season)
- Tyrone Green (Hamstring – return date: Off-season)
- Cassius Cleaves (Back – return date: Off-season)
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