Ackermann relieved as scan shows Tom Savage injury not as bad as first feared

Gloucester have learned the extent of the injury suffered by lock Tom Savage a fortnight ago in a pre-season match against Ulster, with scans showing no ligament tears.
Coach Johan Ackermann explained to Gloucestershire Live that former captain Savage would be out for between eight and ten weeks to miss a large part of the season. However, the South African admitted early signs had raised fears the forward could be out for a lot longer with the injury.
“It’s about eight to 10 weeks,” Ackermann confirmed.
“I know it’s not ideal but we’ll take it any day because in the beginning there was fear it could be six to nine months.
“Luckily it’s not so, knowing Sav he’ll be back sooner and he’ll be ready to go not long from now.”
Ackermann gave further details on the other players currently limited to the physio room ahead of the Cherry and Whites Premiership opener against Northampton Saints this Saturday at Kingsholm.
A date for Tom Marshall’s return appears unknown as he continues rehabilitation, while Ackermann also commented on knocks to new signings Ruan Dreyer and Jaco Kriel.
“Tom is an ongoing one,” said Ackermann.
“It’s an injury that was only detected a bit later, it’s still an injury coming from last season.
“That is dependable to how he reacts to ongoing rehab. It’s difficult to put a real marker on that.
“Dreyer has got a little niggle that we’ll manage now but hopefully we’ll see him in the next couple of weeks.
“Jaco is probably another good four to six weeks away more or less. It can be sooner, it can be a bit longer.
“It’s quite important we get this one right as he had a second operation already on that shoulder so we’re going to make sure it’s a week too long rather than a week too short.”