Sarries injury crisis deepens

By Jason Harris (filed: 29/10/03)
October 29 2003

Saracens have been dealt further blows to their Zurich Premiership aspirations with the news that Australian centre Mark Bartholomeusz will be out of action for up to six weeks after suffering an anterior cruciate joint during the defeat to London Wasps.

Rumours are also circulating that influential outside half Andy Goode has broken his foot, making the sum total of players queuing up for the Sarries treatment table a very worrying nine.

James Parkes (neck, out for 2-3 months), Nathan McAvoy (hamstring, 6 weeks), Craig Yandell (groin, 3 weeks), Kevin Sorrell (groin, 3 months), Aston Croall (broken leg, 3-4 months), Alex Codling (hamstring, 2 weeks) and Thomas Castaignede (broken hand, 6 weeks) are all on the crocked list and with Robbie Russell, Raphael Ibanez, Richard Hill, Nicky Little, Morgan Williams and Kyran Bracken all still in Australia, Rod Kafer will have a huge selection headache for the trip to Millmoor on Saturday to take on the Rotherham Titans.

Williams, Little and Russell are expected to be back in time for the visit of London Irish to bolster the ranks at scrum half, outside half and hooker respectively, but if Goode's injury keeps him from travelling to Yorkshire, the vital no10 berth will be a very tricky one to fill.