St Helens Hoping for Walmsley’s Return Against Huddersfield Giants After Freak Injury
St Helens are optimistic that prop Alex Walmsley will be available for their crucial clash against Huddersfield Giants this Sunday, following a revelation from coach Paul Wellens about the nature of his recent injury.
Walmsley missed last weekend’s defeat to Hull KR due to a hip flexor issue, raising concerns about another potential lengthy absence. However, Wellens has now confirmed that Walmsley’s injury occurred in a rather unusual way.
“He slipped in the garden with his kids playing last week which is the nature of our luck at the moment,” Wellens said. “He’s responded well to treatment but hopefully that improvement continues.”
Wellens stated that Walmsley’s participation in Thursday’s training session will be pivotal in determining his availability for the Huddersfield game.
“Alex is in contention to play. Tomorrow’s training session will be a big factor in whether he’ll be fit or not.”
The return of Morgan Knowles from suspension also provides a boost for the Saints, though Wellens acknowledged that several other senior players are nursing various knocks that could keep them out of the weekend’s action.
“We’ve a few guys like Agnatius (Paasi) and Sione (Mata’utia) carrying a few bumps and bruises. We’ve got some tough decisions to make but what I’m keen to do is get a competitive 17 out there who can respond from a disappointing performance on Saturday.”
Additionally, Wellens revealed that influential forward James Bell is unlikely to feature due to an ongoing lower back issue that is impacting his calf.
“Putting him on the field at the minute would be a risk to his safety,” the coach explained.
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