England’s injury list continues to grow after Exeter Chiefs confirmed Luke Cowan-Dickie is unlikely to be fit for the autumn internationals.
The hooker sustained an ankle injury in the first-half of the Chiefs 35-8 home defeat to Clermont on Sunday.
He has since undergone scans on his ankle and altough no fractures were detected it was revealed that he has suffered ligament damage.
“It’s relatively serious,” said head coach Rob Baxter. “There’s no fracture but it does look like a badly sprained ankle with some ligament damage so we’re not going to be seeing him in the next few weeks.”
“Luke’s been playing really well and he’s been a high-tempo, high work rate player for us with great physicality in attack and defence,” added Baxter.
The Chiefs already have a sizable injury list containing the likes of Don Armand, Alec Hepburn and Jack Nowell but Baxter feels espcially for the 23-year-old who looks to miss out on adding to his four England caps this Autumn.
“The bigger blow is for him personally as when you’re on form when you’re a young hooker you want to keep on going and he’s been involved in some big games for us.”
Baxter confirmed that Michele Campagnaro, Phil Dollman and Dave Ewers have begun light training ahead of the clubs Champions Cup match with Ulster this weekend, but none of are set to feature.
ED HUTSON