England and Bath wing Anthony Watson suffers MCL tear

Adam Kyriacou

Bath have suffered a double setback after both Anthony Watson and Charlie Ewels were ruled out with MCL tears to the knee, the club has confirmed.

The duo received MRI scans on Monday in order to ascertain the extent of the knee injuries they sustained in the Champions Cup fixture against Harlequins on Saturday.

Watson has begun his rehabilitation at the club after confirmation that his injury is an MCL tear, and that he will not need surgery. Watson is expected to return to full training around the Christmas/New Year period.

Ewels will see a knee specialist on Wednesday in order to confirm next steps of his management, with his scan having also confirming MCL tear, albeit of a slightly higher grade. The expected timescales of his rehabilitation will be confirmed in due course.

“The collision-based demands of our game are tough and it is never easy to see a player leave the field with an injury,” said Bath director of rugby Stuart Hooper.

“We are pleased however that in Anthony’s case, his injury is not as serious as first thought. We are waiting for further detail on Charlie and will share an update as soon as we are able.

“Both Anthony and Charlie will now work with our Performance Department in order to come back stronger and perform at their very best when the time is right.”