Califano hit for six

By Jason Harris
August 27 2002

Christian Califano could be out of action for up to six weeks after picking up an ankle injury on Saracens' pre-season tour of Japan.

France's most capped prop is the latest in a long line of unlucky players to be hit by Sarries' now legendary injury jinx.

Reports indicate that the 29 year old is on crutches after what was described as a "freak accident" in the far east.

Still recovering from summer surgery are Tim Horan (knee and wrist) and Craig Quinnell (knee) though the latter could well be in contention for the this weekend's trip to Bristol.

Head Coach Wayne Shelford is due to name his squad for the Memorial Stadium encounter on Thursday and it is likely that the starting props will be David Flatman and Johnny Marsters, with Luke Harbut covering on the bench.

Last season, Sarries were left in a predicament after then new prop Romain Magellan was forced to retire after injuring his back at the season's opening game at London Wasps.

All the Sarries fans will hope that this latest setback to one of their truly world class players will be an isolated one.