ST HELENS have been rocked by a devastating double injury blow to Jack Welsby and Lewis Murphy.
Both players picked up their injuries in the Super League defeat at Hull KR’s Sewell Group Craven Park last Friday night.
Welsby has suffered a knee injury that requires surgery, which took place today (Tuesday).
This now means that the Saints and England fullback is expected to be unavailable for match selection for 16 weeks – up to the end of the regular season.
It sets up the tantalising prospect of Welsby returning for the play-offs although his absence is a significant setback in his club’s attempts to qualify for them, with only points difference keeping them in sixth place currently.
It’s also a potential issue for England ahead of the autumn Ashes series, with coach Shaun Wane set to have one of his key players only just working his back to fitness after a long lay-off.
Meanwhile Murphy, in the act of trying to score in the corner during the Hull KR match, suffered an injury to his quad, which is expected to make the winger unavailable to play for around eight weeks.
Saints head coach Paul Wellens said: “Obviously it is disappointing news for Jack and Lewis, and the club will, as we always do, give them our full support in their injury recovery.
“I am certain Jack and Lewis will give their all in their rehab to get back on the field and contribute once again to our team when they return.”
